Government looks into social welfare package for pandemic-affected groups
Permanent Cabinet members deliberated the social welfare package for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during their meeting in Hanoi on April 5.
Hanoi (VNA) – Permanent Cabinet members deliberated the social welfare package for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during their meeting in Hanoi on April 5.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the Government and the entire political system have devoted workforce, time and wisdom to the fight against the disease, which has brought initial results.
Apart from declaring a nationwide epidemic, a range of essential measures have been employed across the country to combat the disease, he added.
The leader said the Government has spent time discussing the social welfare package in order to soon provide the assistance for those in difficult circumstances, stressing that after the package, the Government will focus on removing difficulties in production and businesses and accelerating the disbursement of public investment.
Through different measures and resources, the State must seek ways to support vulnerable groups, he emphasised.
In that spirit, the PM asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment and concerned ministries and agencies to submit relevant reports to the National Assembly Standing Committee on April 6.
Of the seven groups subject to the package, six will benefit from the State budget while the remaining group - businesses - will be allowed to access bank loans with a zero percent interest rate to support their workers, according to the PM.
The first priority should be given to the poor, near-poor, national contributors and those with deeply-decreased income due to COVID-19, he said.
Savings from reductions in regular spending, conferences, overseas trips and festivals, increases in 2019 income and other resources would fund the package, the leader suggested.
Stressing the responsibility of local authorities and businesses in materialising the package, PM Phuc said it is necessary to ensure democracy, publicity and transparency in the work./.
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Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
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Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
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The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
At the Government meeting (Photo: VNA) 
