PM urges preparations for happy Lunar New Year hinh anh 1The Government’s monthly meeting takes place with little more than one week left until Tet (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung requested ministries and all-level authorities gear up to provide a happy Lunar New Year (Tet) festival for all people at the Government’s monthly meeting on January 29.

The meeting took place with little more than one week left until Tet.

The Cabinet leader asked that goods supply be balanced with the extra demand, that goods are high quality with stable prices, that food hygiene and safety is ensured, and that the drastic fight against smuggling and counterfeits is strengthened.

He instructed the relevant authorities to pay special attention to low-income earners, rural residents, and social policy beneficiaries – so as to give all people a happy Tet.

While the transport sector has to ensure sufficient vehicles to meet the surging travel demand before and after Tet, public security forces must be ready to safeguard political security, and social order and safety, and strictly deal with the storage, transportation and use of firecrackers during the festival. The police were also ordered to step up fire and explosion prevention and ensure traffic safety.

Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang cited preliminary data that by December 31, 2015, 48 of the 63 provinces and centrally-run cities had designed measures to help companies ensure goods supplies for Tet. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning and Investment confirmed that ministries, sectors and localities were working hard to prepare for the year’s biggest festival.

At the meeting, PM Nguyen Tan Dung urged special heed be given to the settlement of consequences of the recent severe cold spell by helping farmers resume agricultural activities.

Ministries, sectors and localities were also asked to have a good control of inflation and prices, consolidate macro-economic stability, continue seeking export markets while containing the trade deficit, and support businesses in expanding operations.

He also asked them to be more active in international economic integration and optimise opportunities provided by free trade agreements, particularly the new-generation accords that Vietnam has signed with big partners.

Also at the function, the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that in January, the Consumer Price Index remained unchanged compared to the previous month, while industrial and agricultural production and services continued developing.

Export revenue rose, which helped reduce trade deficit. Vietnam also recorded a growth in FDI attraction and disbursement, as well as the disbursed sum of ODA and preferential loans.

The ministry also highlighted the absolute safety guaranteed during the 12th National Party Congress.-VNA
VNA