Hanoi (VNA) - Hanoi must be a role model in COVID-19 prevention and control and mustalso work harder to achieve the major targets set at the beginning of the year,Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on April 20.

He held a workingsession with the Standing Board of the Hanoi Party Committee to look into thecity’s socio-economic development in the first quarter of 2020 and the key tasksfor the remainder of the year.

The Hanoi People’sCommittee has reported that the capital failed to achieve most of its Q1 targetsdue to the COVID-19 pandemic. Growth was just 3.72 percent in the quarter, orabout half of the figure posted in Q1 2019.

It noted that the capitalhas identified three scenarios for growth of 7.5 percent this year.

Secretary of the HanoiParty Committee Vuong Dinh Hue said the capital has been working hard to simultaneouslyfight the COVID-19 and promote economic growth so that when the pandemic ends, itseconomy will recover strongly.

It has been acceleratingthe implementation of key projects to step up the disbursement of publicinvestment and city authorities have also held dialogues with businesses totackle the difficulties faced and facilitate private investment, he noted.

Applauding thecity’s efforts in the fight against the pandemic, PM Phuc said it needs to be an examplefor the country to follow and post the best results possible in this endeavor.

He also asked thatit strive to obtain major targets set, including in economic growth, employment,and budget revenues to make a considerable contribution to the country.

The PM noted that growthof nearly 4 percent in the first quarter was a positive result but still much lowerthan the figure in the same period last year. Hanoi needs to take more drasticand concerted actions to boost development which would stimulate growth in theentire capital region.

It should seek private sources for infrastructure development, boost the disbursementof public investment, and bolster consumption. Hanoi also needs to promptly preparedevelopment plans for different scenarios so it won’t be passive as the economychanges.

In the time ahead,it should work to become a healthy city in both material and spiritual terms anda prosperous, civilised, smart, and integrated city.

The city also has to make more progress in improving its business climate, especiallythe development of e-administration, ensure a healthy cultural and socialenvironment, and guarantee political security, defense and social order andsafety, PM Phuc added./.