The Government is requesting the utmost efforts from relevant agencies and local administrations to achieve the set targets of 6.2 percent growth in gross domestic product and 5 percent inflation this year.

In a resolution adopted at the Cabinet’s January meeting, the government asked ministries, agencies, and localities to continue with measures to remove barriers to production and business activities by streamlining bureaucracy and improving the business climate.

The State Bank of Vietnam is responsible for boosting the growth and effective use of credit, as well as cutting the rate of non-performing loans to below 3 percent.

Credit organisations will face increasing scrutiny as they continue their scheduled restructuring.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment is assigned to attract investment from within and outside the country, while the Ministry of Finance must ensure the balance of the State budget and tighten control of public spending and market prices of essential commodities.

The resolution also lists a number of tasks to be completed by ministries and localities ahead of the quickly-approaching Lunar New Year, the largest annual festival for Vietnamese.

Specifically, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is to crack down on the smuggling and trading of fake goods as well as unhygienic practices in food production.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, the Transport Ministry will work to ensure smooth and orderly traffic flow during the holiday.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will seek solutions to plant and animal epidemics to ensure sufficient food and vegetable supply.

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs is to continue offering welfare services to revolutionary veterans and the poor.

The health sector has been asked to take stronger initiative in preventative healthcare and improving public access to health check-ups and treatment.-VNA