PM Says Vietnam Controls Inflation, but Maintains Economic Growth

Vietnam is striving to curb inflation, but will maintain economic growth for this year, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said March 20 during a meeting with ministries and agencies.

 

PM urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to make use of its advantages in agricultural production, animal husbandry and aquaculture to boost production and exports, help the nation erase hunger and reduce poverty and prevent inflation from rising, while spurring economic growth.

 

The ministry is also asked to provide financial assistance and seeds for farmers in an effort to recover cattle and poultry herbs and prevent them from diseases.

 

The association of food exporters, two corporations of food in northern and southern regions and agriculture sector must ensure national food security and stabilize food prices.

 

Seafood production, as one of the most important advantages in agriculture sector, needs to reach export value of US$4 billion this year, contributing to reduce trade deficit.

 

Dung also requested the State Bank of Vietnam, commercial banks and customs sector to streamline difficulties in mechanisms, policies and administrative procedures to help agriculture sector to accelerate aquatic fishing, breeding and exports.

 

At present, foods and foodstuffs make up 42.8 per cent of the commodity basket used to calculate CPI.

 

During the meeting with ministries of industry and trade, planning and investment, State Bank of Vietnam, and associations of food and seafood, the PM said that controlling inflation and boosting economic growth are the government’s current top priorities. (Vietnam Financial Times)