Gov’t convenes first regular meeting in 2014

Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh reported that all ministries, agencies and localities have realized their action plans to put the Resolution into reality.

They conducted measures to stabilize the macro-economy, tame inflation, manage prices, ensure stable goods supply, food hygiene and transport safety on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival.

Regarding the socio-economic performance in January, the consumer price index (CPI) picked up 0.69% against last month, the lowest level over the last five years.

As of January 20, 2014, total means of payment posted a month-on-month increase of 0.82%. Deposit and lending interest rates were relatively stable thanks to improved liquidity in the banking system.

Budget collection was estimated at over VND 27 trillion, accounting for 3.5% of estimate. Meanwhile, budget spending was VND 33.4 trillion, representing 3.3% of estimate.

In the first month, export turnover valued at US$ 10.3 billion, down 10.8% against the same period last year. Import volume was estimated at US$ 10.4 billion, a year-on-year decline of 1.9%.

Industrial production index (IPI) surged by 3% against the same period last year of which the processing and manufacturing sector expanded by 6.6%; followed by electricity distribution 4.4%; water supply and sewage treatment 9%.

Total retail sales of goods and services increased by 13% against the same period last year.

In January, around 6,900 enterprises were set up with a total registered capital of over VND 43.7 trillion, up 27.7% in number and 79.5% in value against the same period last year.

Social security was maintained and lives of people especially the poor, the lonely elderly, and the handicapped, received due attention./.

By Kim Loan