ThuaThien-Hue (VNA) – Vietnam’s socio-economic situation has shownpositive signs with the economy maintaining growth momentum in the first months of 2019,according to Nguyen Duc Kien, vice chairman of the National Assembly (NA)’sEconomics Committee.

Global tradeand investment’s growth is likely to fall short of the pace projected by internationaleconomic and financial institutions this year, harming the country’s economy, Kien told a forum titled “Socio-economic Situation of Vietnam in 2019” on September 26 – 27.

Thegovernment’s efforts to reform, remove barriers for the domestic economy andutilise opportunities from international economic integration will determinethe country’s economic situation in 2019, he added.

The forum was hosted by the Germany-based Hanns Seidel Foundation incooperation with the NA to assess major socio-economic issues in Vietnam. Italso aims to make recommendations to boost the country’s development.

Participants discussed four main topics, namely Vietnam’seconomic situation overview in 2019 and impacts of free trade agreements, major issues of Vietnam’s economy in2019, major socio-cultural issues of Vietnam in 2019, and recommendations for Vietnam’s socio-economicdevelopment in 2020.

According toreports at the event, the global economy is in a period of “high uncertainty” as about 70percent of the economies, mostly developing, are projected to experienceeconomic slowdown in the wake of escalating trade tension between major nations.

However, apositive outlook has remained for Vietnam’s economy as the macroeconomy hasbeen stable, inflation is under control and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the first half of the year expanded2.64 percent, the lowest over the past three years. The six-month GrossDomestic Products (GDP) grew by 6.76 percent, lower than a year ago but higherthan the same period in 2011 – 2017.

Theparticipants also highlighted major social issues, notably violence againstchildren, child sexual abuse and school incidents that have sparked public outrage.

Child sexualabuse and violence have occurred in most cities and provinces nationwide, saidHoang Thi Tay Ninh, Child Rights Governance (CRG) Programme Manager at Save TheChildren. Close to 3,000 cases were reported from 2017 – 2018, uncovering 3,400offenders and 3,200 victims, she noted, adding that child sexual abuseaccounted for more than 50 percent of the cases.

She said it is critical to develop and reinforce the local childprotection system and facilitate community-based child protection mechanisms.She also urged improving the capacity of social workers and volunteers andenhancing inter-sectoral coordination in this matterwhile authorities must strengthen education and communications to raise publicawareness of child rights and child rights-related law and policies./.