Lawmakers proposed orientations and solutions to realise the country’s socio-economic development goals by 2015 during a plenary session in the morning of October 31.
They also deliberated over the implementation of the 2013 socio-economic development plan, the socio-economic development plan for 2014 and the master plan on economic restructuring and the 2011-2015 socio-economic development plan.
National Assembly deputies agreed with the assessment stated in the reports of the Government and the National Assembly’s Economic Committee.
The reports said despite domestic and global economic difficulties, Vietnam has seen effective socio-economic changes thanks to the timely orientations and guidelines of the Party, plus the great efforts of the whole political system.
The country has also fulfilled the goals set for 2013 in macroeconomic stability, lower inflation, higher growth rate and guaranteed social security and welfare.
They pointed to a spate of limitations and weaknesses such as infirm performance in macroeconomic stabilisation and inflation control as well as high rates of bad debts and dissolved and suspended businesses.
The GDP growth rate of 5.4 percent falls short of the set target of 5.5 percent, they said, adding that the process of economic restructuring and renovation of economic growth model have remained slow as expected.
Many commented on shortcomings in several social and cultural realms such as healthcare, job generation and the reduction of the poverty rate, which still remains high, especially in ethnic areas.
Most of the lawmakers agreed with targets, tasks and solutions for socio-economic development during the 2014-2015 period with priorities given to macroeconomic stability, inflation control, growth recovery and increasing the quality and efficiency of the country’s competitive edge, accelerating the implementation of three strategic breakthroughs, economic restructuring in combination with growth model renovation, and ensuring social security and welfare.
They also underlined the need for the Government to devise more drastic solutions in the management work.
Deputies also devoted a lot of time to investment in agriculture and rural areas, saying the country’s agricultural and rural situation is facing a huge challenge that affects agricultural security.
The growth rate dropped from 3.3 percent in 2010 to 2.8 percent in 2013, they said, adding that lower prices of major agricultural products plus weak purchasing power have negatively impacted farmers’ living standards.
They suggested the Government increases investment in agriculture and rural areas while accelerating agricultural restructuring, focusing on policies, mechanisms for farm produce consumption and measures to promote production and ensure suitable prices.
Source: VNA