2018 has better beginning than 2017: Prime Minister

New Year 2018 had a better beginning than the same period in 2017, regarding some indicators, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said at the Government meeting for January.
2018 has better beginning than 2017: Prime Minister ảnh 1Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the Government meeting for January on February 2 (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – New Year 2018 had a betterbeginning than the same period in 2017, regarding some indicators, PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said at the Government meeting for January.

In January, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of Vietnam grew by 53.4points, the biggest pace in ASEAN and even higher than that of the Republic ofKorea and China. Driving forces of GDP growth also increased, including theindex of industrial production increasing 20.9 percent, he noted at the meetingon February 2.

In the month, the number of foreign visitors toVietnam soared by 42 percent to more than 1.4 million. About 10,800 businesseswere set up, higher than the 9,000 new firms in the same period last year,while 4,500 companies resumed operations.

Foreign reserves approximated 57 billion USD. Meanwhile, relevant agencies alsopaid attention to cultural and social issues, particularly in disadvantaged anddisaster-hit areas, the Government leader added.

At the meeting, he told ministries, sectors andlocalities not to be complacent about the achievements in January and continuethe strong determination shown in the final months of 2017 right in the firstquarter of this year, citing the indefatigable spirit of U23 Vietnam, which performed a miracle reachingthe final at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Championship in January2018.

Regarding the severe cold in the northern regionamid the Lunar New Year festival (Tet) nearing, he asked relevant agencies topay attention to people’s health and agricultural activities.

They have to ensure goods supply, social andtraffic safety, and fire prevention during Tet, the biggest traditionalfestival. Meanwhile, State agencies must be responsible for managing festivalsafter the holiday, which falls in mid-February.

PM Phuc noted a high growth rate, 0.51 percent,in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the reviewed month compared to the sameperiod of 2017, requesting closer coordination in rising electricity andeducation and healthcare service prices to keep CPI expansion of less than 4percent in 2018.

During the meeting, the Government is set to discuss several issues, includinga report on the socio-economic situation in January, the implementation of theGovernment’s Resolution 01 on key tasks and solutions steering the realisationof the socio-economic development and State budget plans for 2018, the law andordinance making programme, a draft resolution on setting up a committee formanagement of State capital at enterprises, and investment mechanisms andpolicies for the North-South Expressway. -VNA
VNA

See more

Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Policies and Strategies Tran Luu Quang (right) meets with President of AES Vietnam Oliver Marquette on July 9, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam pledges support for AES investment in green energy

Tran Luu Quang, Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Policies and Strategies, praised AES’s investment performance in Vietnam in recent years and welcomed its long-term commitment, particularly in the field of green and clean energy that supports the country's development and energy transition.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs the third meeting of the steering committee for national key railway projects. (Photo: VNA)

PM urges swift, accountable implementation of key railway projects

As head of the steering committee, PM Chinh reiterated the strategic direction outlined in the 13th National Party Congress, which emphasises the need to continue three strategic breakthroughs, with priority given to railway development and starting work on several sections of the North–South high-speed railway, improving transport connectivity with economic zones, industrial parks, seaports, and airports, and accelerating the pace of urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Workers produce textile and garment for export. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Israeli firms step up sourcing from Vietnam

The conflicts have caused serious disruptions to Israel’s external supply chains, leading to greater demand for a wide range of imported goods. As a result, Israeli enterprises are intensifying efforts to diversify sources of supply, including from Vietnam, to meet domestic consumption needs.

An overview of the seminar. (Photo: VNA)

Traceability emerges as a key to sustainable digital economy

Scandals involving counterfeit goods, unsafe food and substandard pharmaceuticals not only cause economic losses but also erode public trust. On a global scale, verification and traceability are among the top criteria that businesses must maintain to ensure credibility, enhance competitiveness and meet stringent international trade standards.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam-Japan business dialogue boosts cooperation prospects

The dialogue offered Japanese businesses an opportunity to gain the most updated insights into Vietnam’s socio-economic landscape as well as its new policies, and to exchange views on potential future collaboration in various sectors.