Positive socio-economic trend continues in January: PM

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the working session.

Opening the session, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted the historic achievement of the national men’s football team when they reached the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup.

He also emphasised the outcomes of the Government delegation’s participation in the recent 2019 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, noting that Vietnam conveyed the message that it is an innovative country extensively connected with the global economy.

The socio-economic situation in January has sustained the positive trend in 2018, he noted, saying that the consumer price index increased by 0.1 percent month on month while exchange rates and interest rates were kept stable.

Notably, the index of industrial production rose almost 8 percent, total goods retail sales and consumer service revenue have grown fast, and goods supply has been ensured.

Vietnam recorded more than 20 billion USD in exports and 20.8 billion USD in imports in January, the PM said, attributing the trade deficit to soaring consumption demand ahead of the Lunar New Year.

More than 10,000 new businesses have been established this month with registered capital surging 53.8 percent from a year earlier. Meanwhile, some 8,000 firms resumed operations.

The Cabinet leader added political security and social order and safety have been maintained. Authorised agencies have also taken actions to eradicate crimes, particularly loan sharking.

At the meeting, PM Phuc requested Government members to reform management activities right from the year’s beginning, telling them to “never put off what you can do today until tomorrow”.

Governmental officials were also asked to examine preparations for Tet, especially in remote, disadvantaged and disaster-hit areas, and keep a close watch on market developments to ensure a merry Tet for all people.

During its monthly meeting, the Government also plans to discuss solid waste management and the lawmaking agenda in 2019 and 2020.