(VOVworld) – The Ministry of Finance held an online conference on Monday to review its operation in 2013 and work out tasks for next year.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung spoke highly of the efforts by the Ministry of Finance and localities to overcome difficulties. He said considerable contributions had been made to the country’s socio-economic development this year, assuring a firm state budget expenditure plan. Mr. Dung also pointed out difficulties, challenges and shortcomings of the Ministry of Finance. He stressed that the Ministry should cooperate with the banking sector to effectively manage fiscal and monetary policies: "It is necessary to effectively manage fiscal and monetary policies to assure macro-economic stabilization, as well as financial and monetary security to help solve difficulties of the businesses and recover the growth rate. It also helps promote economic restructuring, with the main focus on public investment and banking". 

The Prime Minister said coordination between finance and banking sectors would solve business difficulties, and create favorable conditions for production, while stabilizing interest rates, controlling inflation, and mobilizing investment capital to develop infrastructure. The Ministry of Finance was urged to work out plans on medical and education fees in line with market regulations and further focus on social welfare sectors. Mr. Dung urged ministry officials to further integrate Vietnam with the world economy especially in negotiating taxes, customs, and trade, and in proposing measures to boost exports, attract investment and limit negative impacts during the integration process.