Developing the macro-economy and reining in inflation remain top priority in the Government’s 2013 tasks, Minister-Head of Government Office Vu Duc Dam said.


At the government’s regular press briefing on September 5, Dam stated that the Government will persistently pursue the adopted executive measures to keep inflation under two digits as set at the start of this year.

A 7-percent inflation rate projected for the coming months due to domestic and global developments must be diminished in the coming years, he said, stressing that being subjective may make an inflation hike rebound.

He reaffirmed the Government’s determination to realise the two objectives even when a number of businesses and a proportion of population will be affected.

At the briefing, Dam admitted that the unsteadiness of the national economy over the recent time has partly taken root from the inadequately developed banking system.

The restructuring of the system, which serves as the backbone of the national economy, must be placed in the forefront to guarantee the healthy growth of the economy, he said.

He reported that before the arrest of Nguyen Duc Kien, former Vice Chairman of the Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) last month, the Prime Minister had instructed relevant agencies, especially investigators, to bring into light behaviors attempted to illegally take control of banks.

It is a must to purify the banking system to ensure its smooth, accountable operation, Minister Dam told the press, stressing the application of strict punishment against banking and credit-related criminals.

On the arrest of Duong Chi Dung, former chairman of Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), who had been on the run since May 17 when an indictment and arrest warrant were issued for him, Dam said investigation and other follow-up measures for Dung were taken in line with law.

Dung has been charged with “intentionally violating State regulations on economic management, causing serious consequences” in accordance with Article 165, the Penal Code, during his time at the loss-making company.

Dam noted that the Prime Minister had closely followed the case with prompt instructions to ensure that anyone who violates law will be punished as everyone is equal before law.-VNA