Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has assured the nation that Vietnam’sgross domestic product (GDP) and inflation are still under control andare expected to hit their targeted 6.2 percent and 5 percent,respectively, despite the plunge in oil prices and consumer price index.

During the monthly government meeting in Hanoi onJanuary 30, he pressed for additional solutions to stabilise themacro-economy and remove business barriers.

In hisopening speech, the PM hailed active efforts by ministries, agencies andlocalities to achieve socio-economic development goals from the outsetof this month.

During January, farming, industrialproduction, and service sectors have shown strong progress, socialwelfare has been provided comprehensively, and political security andsocial order have been successfully maintained.

Theleader urged Cabinet members to design methods to improve the businessclimate, accelerate the pace of agricultural sector restructuring,“new-style rural area” construction, and credit institution reform.

Participants also discussed a tax exemption policy for goods traded inborder areas, a draft decree on policies for Party, State andsocio-political organisation officials unqualified for re-appointment interms of age, and a draft resolution on attracting and trainingoutstanding students and young scientists through 2020.

They also evaluated a pilot project on food safety inspection in Hanoiand Ho Chi Minh City and a report on methadone treatment for drugaddicts in rehabilitation centres.-VNA