Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the conference. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Prime Minister Chinh said the COVID-19 pandemic was basically controlled, while vaccine diplomacy and vaccination process was accelerated. GDP grew 2.58% in 2021, lower than planned, but acceptable in the context of complicated developments of the COVID-19, Mr. Chinh said, adding macro-economy was stable and inflation was well controlled.

Export was a bright spot, trade surplus was quite good, making Vietnam one of 20 countries with the largest trade size in the world, according to the PM.  

Digital transformation and innovation made great progress. Cultural development, social security, and people's life were paid attention to. Efforts were made to fine-tune institutions, improve law enforcement, and strengthen the fight against corruption and negativity. External activities achieved many important results, he said.  

The Prime Minister affirmed that 2022 is an important year in implementing the Five-Year Plan 2021-2025 and is themed "Unity, discipline, adaptation, safety, efficiency, recovery and development."

The Prime Minister urged for accelerating economic restructuring combined with reforming growth model, diversifying export markets, speeding up key infrastructure projects, and strengthening agricultural restructuring. He also called for prompt solutions to realize Vietnam's commitments made at the 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 26).

Prime Minister Chinh said the Government will continue to resolutely and persistently protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, pay more attention to supporting the overseas Vietnamese community, and effectively protect citizens abroad.