NA deputies discuss on the sidelines of today’s meeting. (Photo: www.dantri.com.vn)

(VOVworld) – On Thursday, the National Assembly deputies discussed the outcomes of the country’s socio-economic development plans and last year’s state budget.

In the first few months of this year, the Government has been relatively successful in reducing the consumer price index to 2.6%, from late last year. However national economic growth has been sluggish along with the GDP growth rate in the first quarter being 4%, lower than in previous years. Economists say the Vietnamese economy is going through a difficult patch. Many deputies proposed that the Government prioritizes investment in agriculture, rural areas, and the maritime economy. Tran Van Minh is a deputy in Quang Ninh province 'The domestic market should increase the number of promotions programs to boost consumption and encourage more people to use products that are made-in-Vietnam. For foreign markets, it’s also necessary to step up trade promotions for exports. In the long-term, we should develop a project to re-structure the economy and implement it right away in an efficient manner'.

According to a Government report, despite the domestic and international economic slowdown, 15 of the country’s total 22 socio-economic criteria were met. This proves the government’s efficient management, especially the introduction of the resolution to control inflation, stabilize the macro-economy and ensure social welfare. Some key norms have yet to be reached including the GDP growth rate which only reached 5.89%, lower than the set target of 7 to 7.5%. Nguyen Cao Son, a deputy from Hoa Binh province, commented ‘I propose that the Government looks for more solutions to save companies, such as more tax extensions and cuts to stimulate the circulation of goods. To ease pressure in the banks, the Government should direct provinces to establish funds to support companies in trouble or funds to guarantee credit for small and medium sized businesses.

Huynh Nghia representing Da Nang city had this to say: ‘We need tougher measures to restore the economy and focus on boosting production, and stimulate consumption. Policies on social welfare will also help to end the economic recession. If the fiscal policy is aligned with the monetary policy, economic growth will be restored. I want to call on the Government to take stronger action against corruption and waste and people from in walks of life to cut their spending and prioritize domestic products’.

Many deputies also highlighted the importance of preventing and controlling epidemics, traffic congestion and accidents while settling legal proceedings involving land rights so peoplekeep faith in the Government.   

Ngoc Anh