Prime Minister Phan Van Khai asserted the Government's determination to combat corruption and embezzlement as he referred to a corruption scandal recently uncovered at Project Management Unit 18 (PMU 18) at the cabinet's two-day regular meeting that closed in Hanoi on March 29.

"Anyone at any rank found to be corrupt or in violation of the law must be suspended from his or her position and strictly punished," the Government leader emphasised, asking the Ministry of Public Security to hasten its investigation into the case.

The PM praised the mass media workers who have bravely exposed corrupt practices at PMU 18, while also requesting that they scrupulously be accurate in reporting related information.

Aside from discussions on the PMU 18 scandal, which has been stirring public concern since it was brought to light, cabinet members touched upon economic performance in March in particular and the first three months generally.

The country posted a GDP growth rate of 7.2% in the first three months of this year, backed by increases in industrial production value, retail sales and exports, and improvements in the service sector.

In the reviewed period, no outbreaks of bird flu were reported in the country while vaccinations against the disease for poultry were being undertaken in many localities.

Despite the encouraging achievements mentioned above, greater, more concerted efforts from the Government to sectors and branches are urged to accelerate production, reduce production cost, increase competitiveness and boost exports to achieve a GDP growth rate of 8% by the end of this year, the Prime Minister said.

The Government leader asked relevant sectors to work together in utilising investment capital efficiently while keeping prices under control to maintain an inflation rate below the GDP growth rate.

Besides, administrative reform, the fight against corruption and waste, the drive to practise thrift, and measures to curb traffic accidents should be taken continuously and seriously in coming months, PM Khai underscored.

Source: VNAgency