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Goals in the rest of 2008: curbing inflation and stabilizing people's livelihood

VGP - Despite globally unexpected challenges, the Government will continue to drastically direct the implementation of its solutions to curb inflation through the second half of the year, confirmed Minister, Chairman of the Government Office Nguyễn Xuân Phúc at the press conference in Hà Nội on July 2 after the Government’s monthly meeting.

July 03, 2008 7:10 AM GMT+7

Minister, Chairman of the Government Office Nguyễn Xuân Phúc presides over the press conference - Photo: VGP

Reviewing socio-economic situation in the first half, Minister, Chairman Phúc said that, the economy is getting on track thanks to the Government’s drastic and comprehensive direction combined with the whole people's efforts.

Consumer price index tends to go down. Foreign direct investment has made a new high record. The banking performance has become stable again. Securities market has shown positive signs. GDP reached 6.5% in the first six months, the world's second highest figure, after China only.

However, numerous difficulties and challenges are requiring greater efforts made by all ministries, sectors and localities to be able to attain the GDP growth rate of 7% for the whole year, said Minister Phúc.

One of the basic solutions is to boost production to its fullest potential. "General directors of State-owned groups and corporations must bear their responsibilities to the PM for their production management", the Government Office Chairman stressed, showing the Government’s and PM' determination to lift the economy out of challenges.

Besides, considering the stabilization of the people's livelihood as another top priority, more social security policies will be expanded.

At the press conference, Mr. Phúc also asked mass media to join hand in consolidating people's confidence in the Government's policies.

According to Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Đức Hòa, up to June 27, 1,736 unnecessary projects worth of VND 5,625 billion were cancelled or postponed.

In the context of souring oil price in the world market, Việt Nam, in the first six months, imported 6.8 million tons of petrol. A Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade confirmed at the press conference that foreign currency is available for oil and petrol import to meet the domestic demand.

The official also informed that Việt Nam will reduce coal export down to 10 million tons and keep 20-22 million tons for domestic use.

One of important issues presented at the conference was the inspection over the collapse of two approaching spans of the Cần Thơ Bridge on September 26, 2007.

On behalf of the State Inspection Committee, Minister of Construction Nguyễn Hồng Quân affirmed that, the main reason of the tragedy was the unequal subsidence of the foundation pedestal of the makeshift pillar T13U in the upper section.

He also emphasized that competent agencies are investigating concerned individuals and units.

By Hải Minh