VOV: Could you brief us about the results of the implementation of NA resolutions on socio-economic development recently?

Mr Thanh: According to assessments of the Government and the National Assembly, we have basically fulfilled socio-economic development tasks for 2001-2005. Notably, we have completed the Development Millennium Goals by securing an annual economic growth rate of 7.5 percent. After a period of stagnation, the national economy has secured a rather high growth rate with a year-on-year increase basis. The economic structure has shifted positively towards industrialisation and modernisation. Vietnam is integrating deeper and more comprehensively into regional and global economies. In this integration process, we have maintained socio-political and economic stability, and the people’s living conditions have improved significantly.

VOV: What are the tasks for national economic development strategy in the 2006-2010 period?

Mr Thanh: Resolutions of the recent 10th National Party Congress set specific tasks and goals for the next five years, and the Government and the National Assembly will discuss specific measures to implement these tasks. I think that Vietnam has advantages in implementing these development tasks thanks to the achievements obtained in the past and the current deep integration into the regional and global economies. Therefore, the country should capitalise on opportunities, including the opening up of its market to overseas companies. However, it will encounter challenges, including securing a GDP growth rate of between 7.5-8 percent, which is higher than the previous five years. By 2010, the country is expected to increase its total GDP value by 2.1 times against 2001 with average income per capita reaching US$1,000. By realising these targets, Vietnam will be able to escape hunger and poverty as well as its underdeveloped status.

VOV: What are the specific solutions to achieve these targets?

Mr Thanh: In my opinion, we should focus on two major solutions. First, we must develop steadily and sustainably. To do so, we should increase investment, improve mechanisms, and create a more favourable environment to attract investment. Second, we must ensure the stability of the macro-economy, as well as in each development area. We should consider development in the context of the integration process, while implementing bilateral and multilateral commitments we have already signed. All these solutions must be taken into account in regards to international division and integration.

VOV: What should we do to stabilise the macro-economy and make the national economy healthier?

Mr Thanh: I think one of the major tasks we should fulfil in the coming years is to maintain the stability of the macro-economy. First of all, we should find the right balance in the national economy, especially regarding consumer spending, budget expenditure, import-export activities, trade, liquidation and loans and debt payments. To do this, we should draw up policies to better mobilise resources. In addition, we must make the financial status of the State, businesses and population healthier and more transparent. Another task is to use monetary and financial instruments flexibly, particularly in controlling unexpected fluctuations in market prices, as they directly affect production and people’s lives. In addition, we must better control bank interest rates and bad debts, stabilise the national currency and gradually increase the capacity and convertibility of the national currency in the international arena.

VOV: Thank you.

Le Chien

Source: VOV news