This is one of the 26 targets for next year which the council approved at the conclusion last Friday of its seventh meeting. Some other targets are per capita GDP of US$4,000, total capital for development at over VND248.5 trillion and CPI lower than the national average (est. 8%).

HCMC chairman Le Hoang Quan said the city would focus on solving the problems that have been plaguing production and business operations, monitoring the bank credit market, improving the deteriorating environment, strengthening urban management and boosting the fight against corruption.

He said city leaders would work with business executives at the beginning of next year to find ways to promptly remove their difficulties and assist them in investment and production. “From now to the year’s end, relevant city agencies and 24 districts must closely follow the situation and adopt solutions to cope with difficulties, ensure social security and stabilize people’s lives.”

HCMC will continue addressing the production and business woes, curbing inflation and promoting economic development towards changing the growth model and restructuring the economy.