Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen XuanPhuc appeared before the National Assembly on November 10 to answer queriesfrom deputies regarding various matters of importance.

The Government leader noted that the COVID-19 pandemicand natural disasters hitting the central region have affected millions ofpeople this year.

Along with directing ministries and sectors to quicklyassist those affected, to help them stabilise their lives after the floodsrecede, the Government will also evaluate the objective and subjective reasonsbehind the recent natural disasters to identify fundamental, long-term solutions,with a natural disaster response strategy to be created by late this year, hesaid.

The PM highlighted that together with ensuring macro-economicstability and posting a range of achievements in various fields in recentyears, Vietnam has also had a greater voice and responsibility in regional andglobal issues.

Meanwhile, the building of a law-governed socialiststate, the strengthening of discipline, and anti-corruption activities have beenbolstered, he said. Phuc also noted, however, that there remain shortcomings inState management.

Mentioning the 2021 growth target of 6 percent, hesaid the goal is modest compared to the country’s potential, adding that theGovernment is directing the design of various growth scenarios and correspondingaction plans so as to stay prepared for any situation and maintain dynamism,innovation, and rapid and sustainable development.

To this end, Vietnam must continue to reinforce confidenceand optimism among investors and businesses by improving the country’s businessenvironment.

On social issues, the PM emphasised the need to pay greaterattention to education provision in the flood-hit central region, and underlinedthe vital need to improve the quality of healthcare services for all.

The PM said the Government is focusing on completing keyinfrastructure, with the aim of about 5,000 km of expressways being built by 2030,along with stronger digital infrastructure and synchronised national datainfrastructure.

Answering questions on the implementation of the twintargets of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining economic growth, thePM said it is necessary to exert greater efforts to build a self-relianteconomy with safe supply chains, while ensuring food security and paying greaterattention to the domestic market and effectively exploiting foreign markets.

In the current circumstances, working methods must bechanged towards applying information technology, digital technology, andautomation wherever possible, he said.

Regarding deputies’ queries on measures to balance theState budget, the PM said that if the economy expands only 6 percent in 2021, totalcollections will be around 1.34 quadrillion VND, down 170 trillion VND comparedto this year.

To increase revenues for the budget, PM Phuc said itis necessary to promote production to surpass the target of 6 percent in growth,along with applying measures to increase State budget collections in localitiesand speed up the disbursement of public investment capital.

He stressed the need for economical spending of Statebudget funds, controlling budget overspending at a maximum of 4 percent.

Responding to a question on the slow launch of a supportpackage for businesses and workers affected by COVID-19, the PM said that manypolicies have been introduced to help enterprises, including tax and feereductions and exemptions. The Government will soon adjust policies to create thebest possible conditions for businesses and workers.

Answering questions on attracting high-quality humanresources, the PM said the Government is directing the building of a project toreform the recruitment of leaders at State agencies, which will be submitted tothe Politburo./.