At the sixth session of the 13th National Assembly that opened yesterday in Hanoi, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung introduced to the National Assembly several solutions needed for the country’s social and economic development in 2014. Addressing the session, NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung put emphasis on the importance of the sixth session, saying that it is time to review the country’s socio-economic development, defense and security projects, and progress in the fight against crime and corruption over the past three years. In presenting the Government’s report at the session, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed that the country’s economy is on the track to recovery, with encouraging results seen in all sectors.

The PM said this year’s national gross domestic product (GDP) growth is forecast to reach 5.4 percent, meeting the set target that this year’s growth in 2013 should be higher than the 5.25 percent of 2012.

He also reported that among the 15 key socio-economic development targets set by the NA for 2013, the country was able to over-fulfill 11, achieving two others and failing to meet two goals, including budget deficit – a rate of about 5.3 percent, and social development investment to GDP ratio. The PM proposed that the NA approve the budget deficit rate of 5.3 percent for the 2013-2014 period and pledged that the rate will be reduced in 2015.

He also presented a number of solutions to boost the country’s social and economic development in 2014. Accordingly, the Government will continue to strengthen macroeconomic stability and boost control over inflation next year. The Government will also continue its efforts to ease difficulties for production and business, create more loans for businesses, and speed up economic restructuring to boost growth. At the same time, the Government will work to ensure social security, social welfare and improve people’s living conditions.

The PM also outlined plans to expand and improve effectiveness of external activities and international integration while strengthening defense, ensuring political security and social order and safety, as well as enhancing the fight against corruption and wastefulness. Also in the morning session, the National Assembly heard the NA Economic Committee’s report verifying the Government report on implementing the socio-economic plan for 2013 and outlining the plan for 2014.

The Committee shared the same view with the Government that the national socio-economic situation has seen positive changes and the overall yearly targets have been basically met.