Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucurged Government members to take drastic measures to attain the targeted growthrate of 6.7 percent this year at the Cabinet’s February meeting in Hanoi onMarch 1.

Although Vietnam’s economy has maintained goodgrowth, no foreign organisations have forecast 6.7-percent growth for thecountry in 2017, showing the challenge facing the Government, he said.

He noted the stable macro-economy, 2.2 billionUSD of foreign direct investment, an increase in the number of new businesses,and controlled inflation with consumer price index expansion of 0.23 percent inFebruary as positive signs.

However, the international situation remainsvolatile with protectionism resurgence and increasing prices of crude oil andbasic materials.

He asked Government members to assess thedomestic and global situation to make appropriate moves to promote growth,macro-economic stability, and the economy’s competitiveness.

Solutions should be devised to address problems likelow agricultural product prices in the domestic market and low labourproductivity, especially in agriculture and rural areas.

PM Phuc told authorities at all levels to payattention to material prices and USD interest rates to keep inflation below 4percent this year – a target that, according to foreign experts, will not beeasy to realise. 

Therefore, close coordination among ministriesand sectors, and appropriate solutions are necessary, he added.

He applauded central and local agencies whichimmediately got down to business after the week-long Lunar New Year holiday.

During the morning session, the Government discussedlaw-making issues with a draft revised law on public debt management the firstto be tabled.-VNA