From left: Politburo Vo Van Thuong, Party Chief and State President Nguyen Phu Trong, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh attend the teleconference between the government and localities on December 30, 2019. (Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu)

In his opening speech, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who chaired the 2-day gathering, said the event would discuss the year’s socio-economic performance, point out pending problems and shortcomings, analyze opportunities and challenges, and suggest new goals and solutions for the upcoming year.

According to PM Phuc, 2019 was the second consecutive year that Vietnam has gained major achievements in all fields ranging from economics to social affairs, defense, security, and external relations.

Controlling corruption and waste and Party building were strengthened, boosting the people’s trust.

Vietnam’s GDP grew 7.02%, exceeding the target set by the National Assembly, while trade revenue hit an all-time high, according to PM Phuc.