Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that in the first months of this year the world has experienced unprecedented changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnam was seriously affected, with many socio-economic activities stagnating. But the nation has united and focused its resources on fulfilling a double goal of fighting the pandemic and maintaining and restoring socio-economic activities.

The country is united against the pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread worldwide. The numbers of infections and deaths have increased. Vietnam has reported no Covid-19 deaths and has temporarily contained the pandemic. The world community has hailed Vietnam’s healthcare and experience in detecting, isolating, and treating Covid-19 patients as well as its international cooperation.

Prime Minister Phuc said: “Vietnam’s successes in fighting Covid-19 are attributed to patriotism, confidence, and strength of national unity. These are the core values of socialism in Vietnam under the leadership of the Party. It confirms the fact of the Party’s will and people’s absolute trust in the Party and the State.”

Highlights of economic development

The Prime Minister’s report said Covid-19 has seriously affected Vietnam. Production and trade have stagnated. Supply chains and trade circulation have been broken. Meanwhile drought, salt intrusion, hailstorms, and African swine fever have caused great losses in some localities. The East Sea situation is complicated. The government has adopted mechanisms and policies to help people and businesses. Vietnam has maintained a stable macro-economy to generate conditions for economic recovery after the pandemic.

“GDP growth in the first quarter of this year dropped to 3.82% but it is still high for the region and the world. Many localities have reported a high growth rate. We have maintained businesses and trade activities and avoided falling into a recession. Energy and food security have been ensured, while essential goods for the people were sufficient, even during social distancing.” PM Phuc said.

The Prime Minister said security, defense, and social order have been maintained. Vietnam has performed well its roles of ASEAN Chairman, President of ASEAN-Parliamentary Assembly, and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Stabilizing macro-economy, reviving the economy

Prime Minister Phuc said that in the remaining months of the year, along with disease prevention and control, the Government will implement solutions to recover the economy. “The government will ask the National Assembly to issue mechanisms and policies to boost economic recovery, introduce a new economic stimulation package, stimulate the domestic market and production, generate jobs, reduce the unemployment rate, ensure resources for disease prevention and social security, and strengthen the people’s trust.”

Disbursement of public investment capital will be increased and social resources will be mobilized. Vietnam will take advantage of free trade agreements, maintain exports to traditional markets, penetrate new markets, and promote electronic commerce.

The Prime Minister stressed that taking care of people and developing culture and society are important future tasks. In difficult times, it’s vital to protect the poor, the unemployed, and the underprivileged so no one is left behind.

He expressed his belief that through mutual support, consensus, and determination, Vietnam will overcome the current difficulties, contain the pandemic, and develop its economy.