He asked the MPI and localities to create favourable conditions for businesses and residents to boost production and increase investment in infrastructure projects. He urged localities to speed up land clearance for national key projects, especially Hanoi-Lao Cai and Long Thanh-Dau Giay expressways, and other social welfare projects on health care, education, job generation and vocational training. 

Addressing a national conference in Hanoi on November 20, Mr Dung stressed that in 2010 Vietnam aims to stimulate the recovery process, stabilise the macro economy, improve growth quality, prevent a possible return of high inflation and ensure social welfare. Our overall goal is to achieve a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent, he said.

He said in the face of the global financial and economic turmoil, Vietnam has averted an economic slowdown, controlled high inflation, maintained growth and ensured social welfare. The country is on track to achieve a 5.2 percent GDP growth rate in 2009 – a record low compared to the past few years. However, it is an impressive figure, given global complications.

He noted currently Vietnam has the highest GDP growth rate in Southeast Asia and it is one of more than 10 countries which have secured positive economic growth. In addition, he said marked progress has been made in administrative reform, thrift practice and the fight against corruption.

He pointed out difficulties and challenges facing Vietnam in 2010 which he said requires ministries, sectors and localities to adopt measures to bring to life the National Assembly resolution on socio-economic development plan for 2010. He asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) to gather opinions and recommendations from other ministries and localities to realise the resolution.

According to the PM, priority will be given to boosting investment and production, increasing the quality and competitiveness of the national economy, adopting flexible financial and monetary policies to stabilise the macro economy, and effectively implementing projects on poverty reduction, education development and other social areas.

Another task for the government is to accelerate administrative reform, maximize the efficiency of the State apparatus, promote social democracy, increase the fight against corruption and keep a close watch on the implementation of tasks at grassroots level.