The Hanoi People’s Council convened its eighth session in the capital city on December 2, discussing many important issues.

Opening the event, Secretary of the municipal Party’s Committee Pham Quang Nghi instructed Hanoi branches and agencies to accelerate administrative reform, improve the investment environment, spur economic growth, ensure social welfare and increase the operational efficiency of People’s Councils at all levels.

According to Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Council Ngo Thi Doan Thanh, Hanoi posted an economic growth rate of 8.25 percent this year with increased budget for development and a stable consumer price index.

However, Thanh pointed to a range of limitations such as a drop in export turnover, lower than estimated state budget collection, high construction debts, adding that environmental pollution is still common in several localities and little progress has been made in administrative reform.

While looking back at the city’s achievements and shortcomings over the past three years, the session will discuss solutions for the capital city’s development in the coming time.

The council will also adopt a resolution on several policies that promote specialised agricultural production during the 2014-2020 period and the development of handicraft and craft villages, as well as the issuance, amendment and supplement of a number of taxes and land prices in 2014.

Delegates heard a report presented by Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vu Hong Khanh outlining the city’s socio-economic situation in 2013 and its plans for 2014.

Nguyen Van Nam, permanent member of the municipal People’s Council, also reviewed the council’s operation this year and its key tasks set for next year.-VNA