Deputies praised the government efforts to realize Vietnam’s economic targets amid global economic decline and uncertainty. Some deputies said factors to ensure high, continuous, and sustainable growth are weak, while solutions to address the issues are out-of-sync. Vu Tien Loc, a deputy for Thai Binh province, said: “At this pace of growth, if the government continues to reduce public debt to below 55% of the GDP in the years to come, economic growth will be higher. But I call on the government to maintain its prudent stance. We are most worried about the slow pace of administrative reform, which will hamper long-term outlook of the economy. No breakthrough was made in administrative reform and business environment improvement in 2018 and the first months of 2019, although several positive results were recorded.”

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung pointed out difficulties and shortcomings facing the economy. He underlined limitations in infrastructure, especially in the transport sector, science-technology, restructuring of economic sectors and management work.  Minister Dung said: “To address these shortcomings, we need a combination of short-term and long-term measures and strict measures. It’s necessary to involve the entire political system, including the role and responsibility of ministries, sectors, localities, and National Assembly deputies in implementing and overseeing programs, policies, and investment projects.”