Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

According to a report by Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh, the macro-economy so far this year has remained stable and on a right track.

The consumer price index in May rose 0.16% over theprevious month and 0.2% over the same period last year, he noted, adding that during the month, total exports was estimated at nearly US$63.2 billion , up 7.3% year on year, while imports were US$66.2billion.

The number of new start-up firms and their combined capital surged by 15.5 and 26.3%respectively. At the same time, the number of enterprises resuming operation rose 5.9%.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat reported that the prolonged drought in central and Central Highlands region as well as the stagnation in the export of a number of agricultural products seriously affected the production and farmers’ lives.

The ministry will push crop and animal restructuring in drought-hit areas, while continuing to promote the application of advanced technology to raise production, quality and competitiveness of farm produces, the minister said.

Regarding measures to boost export of agricultural products, Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang said together with speeding up negotiations for free trade agreements between Viet Nam and partners, the ministry will work closely with other ministries to seek new market for farm produces, especially key products like rice, coffee, rubber, seafood and vegetable.

At the meeting, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh noted that the number of foreign visitors to Viet Nam so far this year is lower than to other regional countries. He suggested that the Government increase tourism promotion activities.

Other Cabinet members agreed that it is crucial to make tourism as a spearhead sector of the economy. It is necessary to remove administrative barriers to attract visitors, while opening more direct air routes from Viet Nam to promising markets, they said.

Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung asked cabinet members to make more efforts to remove difficulties for agriculture, speeding up restructuring and boosting the sector’s sustainable growth.

He continued to stress the need to ensure macro-economic stability, improve business environment and enhance competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises.

He directed the State Bank of Viet Nam to better manage exchange rate, regulating interest rate to maintain macro-economy and support business and production at the same time.

The PM urged the bank to keep a close eye at the real property market to make sure the sector grows healthily. 

He also required Cabinet members to prepare reports to deliver at the National Assembly’s 9th session, and take the initiative in providing accurate information to National Assembly deputies and voters.-VNA