Measures to manage interest rates and keep prices under control were the two main topics discussed at an online conference chaired by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung on April 5.

At the conference, Deputy PM Hung asked localities and agencies to create specific plans and foster a consensus among the people--a decisive factor in the success of the government’s solutions.

Relating to prices, he said that in 2010 the government will try its best to reduce petrol price fluctuations and keep electricity prices unchanged.

The government also urged authorised agencies to cut banking interest rates to 8-9 percent for mobilising and 11-12 percent for lending through flexible domestic and foreign currency management measures, he said.

The Deputy PM instructed localities and agencies to balance the supply and demand of goods in their areas and increase their budget collection by at least 10 percent.

Authorised agencies were asked to keep a close watch on and ensure the absolute safety of the stock, real estate and insurance markets.

Hung urged nationwide thrift practice and a limit to ineffective programmes and projects. “Public projects and works should give priority to using domestically-made products,” he said.

Deputy PM Hung also asked localities, ministries and agencies to closely coordinate with economic sectors, mass organisations and the people to effectively implement the government’s measures, which focus on ensuring macro-economic stability, preventing high inflation and achieving a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent in 2010./.