Party, State, NA leaders attend Government meeting for first time

General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong (standing) at the Government meeting with provinces and cities - Photo: VGP

The event was also attended by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, President Tran Dai Quang and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. This is the first time the Party and State leaders have attended a Government meeting.

Opening the one-and-a-half-day event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc noted numerous difficulties in the domestic situation along with complicated international and regional issues in 2017.

Major countries’ adjustment of their strategies, as well as, trade and diplomatic policies affected Vietnam, he said, adding that natural disasters in the northern, central, and Central Highlands regions killed 367 people and caused damage in excess of VND60 trillion (US$2.6 billion).

At the year’s outset, many growth drivers like mining, agriculture, industry and exports encountered difficulties. The macro-economy also faced pressure from inflation, exchange rates, public debt and non-performing loans, he noted, adding that many have called for a revision of the economic growth target at that time.

Under the Party’s leadership, the whole political system worked together, while several sectors and localities actively moved to improve the investment environment, tackle business bottlenecks and mobilise resources for development, the PM said.

As a result, all targets set by the National Assembly have been fulfilled, he noted, saying that the economy expanded by 6.81 percent – beyond the target of 6.7 percent.

The Government leader also highlighted the greater stability in the macro-economy and considerable improvement of the business climate and competitiveness. More than 5,000 administrative procedures were eliminated. Many ministries and sectors have even cut a third or half of their administrative procedures.

In 2017, many corruption cases were investigated and brought to trial, gradually re-gaining the people’s trust, he added.

PM Phuc attributed the outcomes to the efforts of the whole political system under the Party’s leadership, as well as of people and businesses.

He said the Government wants continued and stronger efforts to surpass this year’s achievements. In 2018, it is necessary to optimise the growth momentum of 2017, promote a comprehensive socio-economic development programme and boost economic reforms.

At the meeting, participants will look into the Government’s performances in 2017, the implementation of Resolutions 19 and 35 on improving the investment and business climate and supporting businesses, the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Directive 16/CT-TTg on improving the capacity to access Industry 4.0, administrative reforms, the settlement of complaints and denunciations and the corruption fight.