Among the socio-economic targets Hanoi has set for this year are an 8.5-9 percent GDP growth and per capita income of VND57.5-58 million (US$2,736).    The capital also aims to register an unemployment rate of less than 4.8 percent this year and attain growth rates of 9.4-9.8 percent for the service sector, 8.0-8.8 percent for the industry-construction sector, 2.0-2.5 percent for agricultural production, and 6-7 percent for export turnover. Last year, despite difficulties and challenges caused by global economic risks as well as the domestic economic downturn, the city still strived to maintain economic growth, curb inflation and ensure social security. Hanoi’s GDP growth rate for 2013 is about 8.25 percent, up 0.19 percent from the previous year’s figure and equivalent to 1.53 times the national growth.

In addition, the capital mobilization of credit organizations increased by 12.78 percent and the rise of the consumer price index (CPI) was kept under eight percent. According to statistics, around 14,950 enterprises were established in 2013, up 12 percent over the previous year, while there was a reduction in the number of business shutdowns. Last year also saw national defense and social order reinforced, external relations and exchange expanded, and other fields such as culture, education, science-technology and healthcare given heavy investment. Besides, many transport projects were also implemented in 2013, remarkably contributing to reducing congestion and traffic accidents.

Meanwhile, the meeting agreed that the municipal authorities must make great efforts to boost exports and budget collection in 2014, as the city failed to fulfill the targets in the two fields in 2013.

In addition, the city must also take measures to reduce environmental pollution, especially in trade villages and industrial areas.