Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has assured the nation that Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation are still under control and are expected to hit their targeted 6.2% and 5%, respectively, despite the plunge in oil prices and consumer price index.

During the monthly government meeting in Hanoi on January 30, he pressed for additional solutions to stabilise the macro-economy and remove business barriers.

In his opening speech, the PM hailed active efforts by ministries, agencies and localities to achieve socio-economic development goals from the outset of this month.

During January, farming, industrial production, and service sectors have shown strong progress, social welfare has been provided comprehensively, and political security and social order have been successfully maintained.

The leader urged Cabinet members to design methods to improve the business climate, accelerate the pace of agricultural sector restructuring, “new-style rural area” construction, and credit institution reform.

Participants also discussed a tax exemption policy for goods traded in border areas, a draft decree on policies for Party, State and socio-political organisation officials unqualified for re-appointment in terms of age, and a draft resolution on attracting and training outstanding students and young scientists through 2020.

They also evaluated a pilot project on food safety inspection in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and a report on methadone treatment for drug addicts in rehabilitation centres.