Attending the conference at the Government Headquarters bridge were Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan; Deputy Prime Ministers Le Minh Khai and Tran Hong Ha; Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies and Government agencies; leaders of ministries, branches and central agencies. Secretaries of Provincial and Municipal Party Committees of provinces and centrally run cities attended the meeting at 63 provincial and municipal bridge points.

The conference will listen to and discuss specific contents: Socio-economic situation in June and the first 6 months of 2023, key tasks and solutions for the last 6 months of the year; implementation of Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP dated January 6, 2023 of the Government ; implementation of the socio-economic recovery and development program; allocation and disbursement of public investment capital; implementation of 3 national target programs; draft Resolution on tasks and solutions to remove difficulties for production and business, stabilize the macro-economy, control inflation, promote growth, ensure major balances of the economy and social security in the new situation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs the Government's online conference with localities and the regular Government meeting in June 2023. Photo: VGP

Delegates also discussed; Report on the assessment of the implementation of the state budget in the first 6 months of 2023; Report on the mobilization of ODA loans, foreign preferential loans and the re-borrowing rate of foreign loans for projects in the Mekong Delta region according to Resolution No. 120/NQ-CP dated November 17, 2017 of the Government on sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region adapting to climate change.

Opening the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that we have passed the first half of 2023, which is also the first half of the term of the 13th National Party Congress and the 15th National Assembly. The world situation continues to develop complicatedly, facing many difficulties and challenges, with 6 "headwinds" emerging: Growth has declined, inflation has cooled down but remains high.

The consequences of Covid-19 have been severe. Geostrategic competition, protectionism, separation, fragmentation, lack of close connection, and partial disruption of global supply chains. Conflicts, including the one in Ukraine, have not ended. Many countries are still tightening monetary policies, affecting the economies of countries, especially developing countries. Climate change, natural disasters, and epidemics are becoming more and more complex and unpredictable.

Domestically, difficulties and challenges outweigh opportunities and advantages when the economy is subject to dual impacts, having to withstand pressure from both inside and outside, especially because: The scale of the economy is still modest, openness is large, resilience and adaptability are limited. Regular work is increasingly heavier, requirements and demands are higher. Backlogged and prolonged problems are increasingly exposed. Many problems arise that need to be solved. The resilience of businesses is eroded. Import and export, FDI attraction face many challenges when global trade declines and competition increases. Pressure from reality, such as: Global minimum tax issues, new regulations from major markets on imported goods with stricter requirements.

According to the Prime Minister, in that context, all levels, sectors and localities have made outstanding efforts, resolutely, synchronously and with focus on key tasks and solutions. Thereby, in June and the first 6 months of the year, the general goals of 2023 were basically achieved. The macro economy was stable, inflation was controlled, growth was promoted, major balances were ensured. The monetary market was managed appropriately, firmly, flexibly, proactively and promptly.

The operating interest rate continued to be adjusted downward; the exchange rate was managed in line with market developments. The main economic sectors continued to change positively. Many outstanding issues were focused on resolving. Social security was ensured. The fields of culture, sports, health, education and training were given attention and developed with many good results. National sovereignty, political security, and social order and safety were maintained. Foreign affairs and international integration activities were implemented comprehensively and effectively.

The Prime Minister frankly pointed out the shortcomings, limitations, difficulties and problems such as: Economic growth is lower than the proposed scenario. Businesses face many difficulties, workers lose their jobs and have their working hours reduced. Security and order pose potential risks. Institutions, discipline and order are sometimes not strict in some places, officials and civil servants are afraid of making mistakes and avoid responsibility...

The Prime Minister requested the delegates attending the Conference to focus on discussing the socio-economic situation in June, the second quarter and the first 6 months of the year, clearly stating the positive aspects, limitations that need to be overcome, lessons learned; analyzing the context and situation. From there, the delegates proposed key solutions, key points, and breakthroughs to implement the tasks in July and the last 6 months of 2023.

People's Army Electronic Newspaper will continue to update information about the conference.

VNA