Positive socio-economic trend continues in January: PM
The Government convened its monthly meeting on January 31 to review the socio-economic situation in January and preparations for the upcoming Lunar New Year festival (Tet).
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (standing) chairs the Government's monthly meeting on January 31 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Government convened its monthlymeeting on January 31 to review the socio-economic situation in January andpreparations for the upcoming Lunar New Year festival (Tet).
Opening the session, Prime Minister Nguyen XuanPhuc highlighted the historic achievement of the national men’s football teamwhen they reached the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup.
He also emphasised the outcomes of theGovernment delegation’s participation in the recent 2019 World Economic ForumAnnual Meeting in Davos, noting that Vietnam conveyed the message that it is aninnovative country extensively connected with the global economy.
The socio-economic situation in January has sustainedthe positive trend in 2018, he noted, saying that the consumer price indexincreased by 0.1 percent month on month while exchange rates and interest rateswere kept stable.
Notably, the index of industrial production rosealmost 8 percent, total goods retail sales and consumer service revenue havegrown fast, and goods supply has been ensured.
Vietnam recorded more than 20 billion USD inexports and 20.8 billion USD in imports in January, the PM said, attributingthe trade deficit to soaring consumption demand ahead of the Lunar New Year.
More than 10,000 new businesses have beenestablished this month with registered capital surging 53.8 percent from a yearearlier. Meanwhile, some 8,000 firms resumed operations.
The Cabinet leader added political security andsocial order and safety have been maintained. Authorised agencies have alsotaken actions to eradicate crimes, particularly loan sharking.
At the meeting, PM Phuc requested Governmentmembers to reform management activities right from the year’s beginning,telling them to “never put off what you can do today until tomorrow”.
Governmental officials were also asked toexamine preparations for Tet, especially in remote, disadvantaged anddisaster-hit areas, and keep a close watch on market developments to ensure amerry Tet for all people.
During its monthly meeting, the Government alsoplans to discuss solid waste management and the lawmaking agenda in 2019 and2020.-VNA
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (standing) chairs the Government's monthly meeting on January 31 (Photo: VNA) 
