Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on February 25 highlightedthe twin tasks of curbing the spread of COVID-19 and completing socio-economic targetsset by the National Assembly.
Speakingat a meeting of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council inHanoi, the PM pointed out that impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic have affectedthe economic growth of many countries, including Vietnam’s economic and tradepartners, leading to disruption of many production and trade chains.
“Weshould be neither pessimistic nor subjective,” said Phuc, who is also Chairmanof the council, calling for drastic actions and great efforts to fight theepidemic and boost production and business.
Theleader urged agencies and localities to chart scenarios on the realisation oftasks amidst COVID-19 concerns and increase analysis and forecast activities tocope with external impacts.
Therehas yet been any reason to adjust growth and macro targets, he emphasised.
Atthe meeting, experts suggested paying more attention to curbing inflation overvirus fears, optimizing fiscal policies which still have room of manoeuvre,speeding up the disbursement of public investment, especially in health care,education and environment.
Theyalso recommended boosting export to the EU after the EU-Vietnam Free TradeAgreement (EVFTA) takes effect, and diversifying import markets given the highrate of materials imported from China.
Governorof the State Bank of Vietnam Le Minh Hung said the central bank will not rushto tighten monetary policy while staying alert in the present circumstances.
Councilmembers urged continued administrative reform, and measures taken to promoteproduction and trade as well as boost domestic demand.
Theyproposed credit support for businesses which are affected by the COVID-19epidemic, and projects in energy, infrastructure, processing, high-techagriculture and information-technology.
Manysuggested strengthening international cooperation in fighting COVID-19 andintensifying communication work in this regard./.
VNA
