|
PM lauds progress, but more work to do
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Mar. 18 praised provinces for effectively implementing last month's resolution on stabilising the macro-economy and controlling inflation, but added that there was a lot more work to do.
He said these efforts had helped achieve some positive results, such as the national GDP increasing by 5.5 per cent during the first quarter of the year, with industrial manufacturing expanding by 14.7 per cent and exports by 31 per cent, while the State budget increased by 17.6 per cent.
Foreign exchange bureaux had started to follow State regulations, said the leader, after a crackdown on ‘black market' exchanges.
"The crackdown on the black market and the flexible control of foreign exchange rates have brought positive benefits," Dung said.
"These include an increase of foreign currencies deposits at commercial banks, and a more stable and lower exchange rate.
"The gold bars market has become more stable while the rate is lowering and fluctuates more in line with international gold prices."
The Prime Minister also praised cities and provinces for their efficient cuts to State investment spending. In particular, Ha Noi's cost-cutting amounted to VND280 billion (US$14 million) while Hai Phong saved more than VND200 billion ($10 million).
His comments were made during a video conference with meeting with local authorities doing a video conference yesterday.
Dung said that despite the achievements, there were several short-comings. Information on the new Government's resolution had not been adequately explained to the public while solutions to meet people's proper needs in exchanging foreign currencies and gold had not been issued.
Government officials also said that the ban on foreign currency black markets was required but lacked proper preparation for commercial banks to meet the legal needs of enterprises to exchange currencies.
He also asked local authorities to draft a detailed plan and report on maintaining manufacturing and business, improving product quality while focusing on the development of agriculture. He also asked the State Bank of Viet Nam to tighten control over total credit debts to reduce currency supply and total demand.
The nation targeted to maintain a credit increase below 20 per cent, said the Prime Minister. At the same time, local authorities should be well prepared for natural disaters and outbreaks of diseases, he said.
vietnamnews
|
