Prime Minister Chinh chairs an online conference between the Government and localities on growth scenario. (Photo: VOV)

Prime Minister Chinh on Wednesday chaired an online conference between the Government and localities on growth scenario, which was connected to 34 centrally governed provinces and cities and over 3,300 communes, wards, and special zones.

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang reported that in the first half of the year, economic growth reached 7.52%, the highest for the same period in nearly two decades. However, while some localities achieved high growth, 17 out of 34 provinces and cities reported growth rates below 8%.

Prime Minister Chinh called on key economic drivers, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to strive for GRDP growth rates higher than the national average, making greater contributions to overall national growth. Ministries, localities, state-owned corporations, and enterprises were asked to develop development strategies of double-digit growth for next year.

Mr. Chinh said: “We use growth indicators to evaluate the economy, rank it by economic size, and consider per capita income as one of the assessment criteria. With unity and determination, we must promote economic growth and fulfill the targets set by the Party and the National Assembly for 2025. Following this conference, the Government will issue a legally binding directive and reassign responsibilities to 34 provinces and cities, to replace the one previously issued for 63 provinces and cities.”