The PM showed the government’s strong resolve at a national conference in Hanoi on January 6-7 to implement socio-economic development and budgetary tasks for 2010.

He said despite the global economic recession in 2009, Vietnam reversed its economic downturn, secured a relatively high growth rate, and ensured balance throughout the economy.

These positive results will help Vietnam a achieve higher growth in 2010, said Mr Dung.

To this end, he asked ministries, sectors and localities to mobilise all resources for investment in development and increase production capacity oriented towards developing high technology so as to support economic restructuring efforts.

He recommended that ministries, provinces and cities accelerate decentralisation while ironing out snags in administrative procedures to speed up the disbursement of capital for development projects. He also urged them to work hard on land acquisition for the country’s key transport projects.  

He assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology, along with relevant ministries and agencies, to pay special attention to conducting scientific and technological research projects and applying them to reality in the next 5-10 years to increase the quality and competitiveness of the national economy.

The PM requested the designated agencies improve the quality of education-training and healthcare services, solve pressing issues of public concern, strengthen environmental protection, and minimise the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

At the same time, he said, they should expand external relations, strengthen national defence and security, and maintain social order and safety.

Another important task is to increase the efficiency of State management, accelerate administrative reform, combat corruption, practise thrift and prevent waste, said Mr Dung. 

He asked these agencies to introduce appropriate solutions, work closely together and better carry out the dissemination of information to create a high consensus in society in order to meet national socio-economic targets for 2010.

He also reminded provinces and cities to ensure an adequate supply of essential commodities, maintain social security and take care of needy people during the upcoming lunar New Year festival.

The conference, which was attended by leaders from 63 provinces and cities, examined ways to overcome shortcomings in local and State management.

Several municipal and provincial leaders proposed that in 2010 the government give priority to upgrading public transport in big cities, strictly deal with environmental law breakers, and pour more investment into rural areas.