Socio-economic issues high on agenda of National Assembly

Lawmakers are looking into the implementation of the socio-economic development and state budget plans for 2017 and the plans for 2018 in the first months of the year, the outcomes of thrift practice and wastefulness prevention in 2017, and the final accounts of the State budget balance in 2016.The discussions are broadcast live on television and radio.At the session's opening meeting on May 21, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, on behalf of the Government, delivered a report giving additional assessment of the socio-economic development in 2017 and the first months of 2018, along with key tasks and solutions in the time ahead.The report noted that thanks to efforts by the whole political system, business community and people nationwide, the socio-economic situation last year and in the beginning of 2018 recorded important and comprehensive improvements.While the macro-economy remained stable, most sectors posted higher growth rate year on year, and people's living standards improved. Positive outcomes were seen in the fields of culture, society, environment, administrative reform, corruption and wastefulness prevention and control, defence, security, and external relations, thus helping to consolidate people, businesses and domestic and foreign investors' trust.However, the report also admitted shortcomings in Vietnam's economy. Although efforts have been made to solve problems, there remain many issues that require stronger efforts to be addressed.It stressed the need not to be subjective but actively keep a close watch on the domestic and international situation to make appropriate and timely response.Meanwhile, it is necessary to pay attention to solving existing problems or those that have just emerged, actively devise solutions to promote potential areas, improve the business climate and competitiveness, and strive to successfully realise the targets and tasks for 2018 to create momentum for sustainable development in the following years, according to the report.

(Source: VNA)