In the Morning of May 23, at the opening session of the 3rd session, the 15th National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh was authorized by the Prime Minister to present the additional assessment report of the socio-economic development plan implementation results and the 2021 State budget and the first months of 2022. Vietnamnews would like to introduce the full text of the Report presented by the Deputy Prime Minister. 

REPORT

SUPPLEMENTING THE 2021 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION RESULTS, THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SITUATION IN THE FIRST MONTHS OF 2022 

Dear Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Party Central Committee!

Dear the leaders, former leaders of the Party, State, Vietnam Fatherland Front and revolutionary veterans!

Dear National Assembly and compatriots, voters nationwide!

According to the agenda of the Session, the Government has sent the National Assembly 36 reports, statements and documents in various fields. As assigned by the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government, I would like to report the National Assembly certain main contents on supplementing the 2021 socio-economic development plan implementation results and the socio-economic development plan implementation in the first months of 2022. 

I. SUPPLEMENTING THE 2021 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION RESULTS FOR THE FIRST MONTHS OF 2022 About supplementing the 2021 implementation results

1. About supplementing the 2021 implementation results

At the 2nd session of the 15th National Assembly, the Government reported on the 9-month socio-economic development situation and estimated the implementation for the whole year of 2021. In the last months of 2021, the Government has directed all levels, branches, localities to drastically control COVID-19 epidemic, while recovering and developing socio-economic condition via the conclusion of the Central Executive Committee, the Resolutions of the National Assembly and the Government. The socio-economic situation in the last months of the year is recovered clearly and there are many positive changes, contributing to the overall results of the 2021 whole year. 

The judgments and assessments reported by the Government to the National Assembly are basically appropriate, 7/12 targets are mainly satisfied and exceeded the 2021 plan. Some socio-economic indicators are higher than the ones reported to the National Assembly. The average consumer price index (CPI) increased by 1.84% (the figure reported to the National Assembly is about 4%); State budget deficit is 3.41% of GDP (the figure reported to the National Assembly is 4% of GDP), in which, state budget revenue increases by 16.8% of the estimate (the figure reported to the National Assembly is up 1.7% of the estimate); import-export turnover is increased by 22.6% (the figure reported to the National Assembly is up 10.7%); trade surplus reaches USD 4 billion (the figure reported to the National Assembly is USD 2 billion). 

The above-mentioned results are very respectable in the context of the fourth outbreak of COVID-19 with the dangerous and faster Delta strain, seriously affecting all aspects of social life. That result affirms the great efforts of the entire political system, all levels, branches and localities, especially the support, the joint effort and consensus of the people from all walks of life, the help of international friends, especially in the implementation of tasks and solutions to prevent and control COVID-19 epidemic and to restore and develop the economy and society. 

2. About the socio-economic development plan implementation in the first months of 2022 

At the beginning of 2022, the world economy shows the signs of recovery, many countries have boldly opened their doors and loosened the monetary policies, but, as the influence of Russia-Ukraine conflict along with the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, the world economy recovered more slowly than previously forecast, inflation in many countries and important partners increased sharply, oil prices and some important commodities fluctuated sharply. 

Domestically, the economy is opened in a new normal state, COVID-19 epidemic is basically under control, creating an important premise for socio-economic recovery and development; Socio-cultural activities gradually restore normally. The price of some input goods is, however, increased, especially the price of petrol and oil, and the local shortage of human resources affected the production and business activities of enterprises and people. 

In that context, in order to effectively implement the Central Committee’s conclusions, the National Assembly’s resolution on 2022 socio-economic development and the 5-year plan for 2021-2025, the Government has issued and directed all levels and sectors, localities to implement drastically, synchronously and effectively the Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP on the socio-economic development plan implementation and the 2022  state budget estimate (including 12 key tasks and solutions and 174 tasks, specific solutions), the Resolution No. 02/NQ-CP on improving the business environment, enhancing the national competitiveness (with 10 key tasks and solutions), the Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP on the Socio-economic Development and Recovery Program and the Resolution No. 38/NQ-CP on the Program on COVID-19 Prevention and Control, etc.  

The Government and the Prime Minister have held many national conferences to implement the Socio-Economic Recovery and Development Program, COVID-19 Prevention and Control Program; disbursement of public investment capital; development of transport infrastructure; perfecting institutions, formulating the laws. The Prime Minister directly observes, inspects and urges the implementation of key national projects, such as the East North-South Expressway Project, Long Thanh International Airport, Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant, and Long Phu 1 Thermal Power Plant…; working with many localities to remove the difficulties and promote the socio-economic development. 

2.1. Results achieved in the first months of 2022 

a) About COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control 

Promoting the results achieved in 2021, the Government has directed the drastic and synchronous implementation of measures to prevent and control COVID-19 epidemic; Effectively implementing the nationwide vaccination campaign, until now, Vietnam is one of the six countries with the highest vaccine coverage rate in the world, which is highly appreciated internationally. As of May 15, 2022, over 217 million doses of vaccination have been given; 100% of people in the vaccination program from 18 years or older have received 2 injections, the rate of 3rd dose reached 59.6%; 100% of children from 12 to under 18 years old have received 1 dose, 96.4% of them have received 2 doses; children from 5 to under 12 years old have received 1 dose, reaching 29.9%. 

As a result, the number of new cases, severe changes, and deaths have significantly decreased since the end of March 2022. The fact that the epidemic which is basically controlled has strengthened the confidence and safety of people and businesses, making an important contribution to the socio-economic recovery and development. 

b) About economy 

Macroeconomic stability continues to be maintained, the economy’s major balances are ensured, the inflation is controlled, the average consumer price index (CPI) in 4 months is increased by 2.1%. Currency market, exchange rate and interest rate are stable; Credit balance by the end of April is increased by 7.18% compared to the end of 2021. The state budget revenue in 4 months gains VND 657.4 trillion, equaling 46.6% of the estimation, up 15.4% against the same period. Export turnover gains USD 122.4 billion, up 16.4%; import turnover gains USD 119.8 billion, up 15.7%; trade surplus is more than USD 2.5 billion. 

Economic growth (GDP) in the first quarter gains 5.03%, higher than the same period in 2020 and 2021. In the first 4 months of the year, the industrial production index is increased by 7.5%; agricultural production growth is stable, rice output is estimated at 10.8 million tons; total retail sales of consumer goods and services gains over VND 1.7 million billion, up 6.5%. The service and tourism sectors is recovered quickly. Essential goods for consumption and basic business production is guaranteed. 

Implementing 3 strategic breakthroughs according to the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress, the economic restructuring associated with the growth model innovation is focused and directed. The Government has issued an Action Plan to implement the National Assembly’s Resolution on economic restructuring for the period of 2021-2025. Being prior to focus on the resources on strategic infrastructure development, especially transport infrastructure. 

Total social investment capital in the first quarter gains VND 562.2 trillion, up 8.9%. By May 15, 2022, public investment disbursement gains 20.27% of the plan; Realized foreign direct investment in 5 months is estimated at over USD 7.71 billion, up 7.8%. 

Many contents of the Socio-Economic Development and Recovery Program have been promptly implemented by the Government, such as interest rate support policies, value-added tax exemption and reduction for enterprises, housing rental support for employees; National key traffic works are urgently implemented, the East North – South expressway project in the 2021 – 2025 period is being carried out by ministries, branches, localities focus on organizing the implementation according to the plan and schedule. At the same time, the Government has submitted the National Assembly at this meeting the policy of investment in expressways: Chau Doc – Can Tho – Soc Trang, Bien Hoa – Vung Tau, Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot, Ring Road 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, Ring Road 4 in Hanoi capital area. 

Generally, in 4 months, there are 80.5 thousand enterprises newly established and returned to operation, up 26.9% against the same period. Some projects that are behind schedule for many years have been actively handled by the Government and have initially achieved the results (such as Thai Binh 2 thermal power plant, 5/12 loss-making, prolonged projects, 02 poor banks…). 

c) About culture, society and environment 

Caring for and ensuring people’s lives is focused; For the whole year of 2021 and the first 4 months of 2022, the Government has supported over 49.6 million employees and 728.4 thousand employers with a total budget of over VND 81.6 trillion.

The preferential policies for people with meritorious services to the revolution, social assistance and poverty reduction have been effectively implemented; activities of “gratitude”, ” When you eat a fruit, think of the man who planted the tree” are interested. People across the country have celebrated the Lunar New Year, the death anniversary of Hung Kings, the public holidays of May 30 and May 1 in a joyful, healthy, safe and saving atmosphere. 

Along with the high concentration on implementing the solutions to prevent and control COVID-19 epidemic, the health sector still strives to ensure the implementation of the medical examination, treatment and care for the People’s health. The quality of education continues to be maintained, teaching and learning activities are organized and deployed flexibly, in accordance with the epidemic situation; Up to now, pupils, students nationwide have returned to off-line learning. 

The application of science and technology and digital transformation has been strongly promoted in various fields, especially population management, tax collection, e-customs, e-commerce, banking services etc… 

Cultural and social activities gradually become vibrant again; cultural values, social ethics, good family traditions, good examples of good people and good deeds continue to be replicated and promoted. Physical education and sports have been invested in, and the preparation and organization of the 31st SEA Games have been thoughtfully, safely and successfully implemented. Vietnamese sports delegation competed with noble sportsmanship, leading the countries to win the gold medals and total medals of all kinds. 

The policies of religion and belief are cared; caring for the elderly, child protection, for the advancement of women, and gender equality are focused. Proactively, actively in the information and communication; basically promptly fight and refute the bad, poisonous and untrue information; strictly handle the violations. 

The State management of natural resources has been strengthened, and the natural resources have been effectively managed and used; the obstacles on site clearance, resettlement and source of raw materials for key national projects have been promptly removed. 

Environmental protection and climate change response are focused; The Government has established a Steering Committee and developed a plan to implement commitments at COP26, focused on thorough research to complete the energy transition plan (Power Planning VIII), and at the same time continue to effectively implement the Program for Sustainable Development of the Mekong Delta to adapt to climate change. 

d) On institutional formulation, administrative reform, inspection, settlement of complaints and denunciations, and prevention of corruption and negativity 

The Government has spent a lot of time working closely with the National Assembly and the relevant agencies or under their competence to carry out the work of building and perfecting institutions, submitting the law projects, ordinance under the 2022 Program to ensure progress. 

The Government has promulgated 6 national master plans and 01 provincial master plan; urgently implemented other plannings according to the provisions of the Law on Planning; at the same time, proposed the National Assembly to adjust certain contents to remove difficulties and obstacles in the process of monitoring and implementing the Law on Planning. 

Focused on reviewing, reorganizing and streamlining the organizational apparatus, streamlining the payroll in the direction of promoting decentralization in association with strengthening inspection, supervision and control of power in the spirit of the Party’s, the National Assembly’s resolutions. Promoted and decided to build a digital government, aimed at a digital economy, digital society and digital citizens. 

Inspection, settlement of complaints and denunciations, and reception of citizens are focused on leading and directing with many appropriate solutions and positive changes. Ccorruption, negativity control has been carried out drastically, synchronously and comprehensively according to the spirit of the Central Steering Committee and has achieved important results, contributing to strengthening, strengthen the People’s confidence in the Party’s leadership role and the State’s management. 

đ) About national defense, security and foreign affairs 

National defense and security is strengthened, political stability is maintained. Proactively and promptly take the flexible and effective handling measures, prevent from unexpected passivity, firmly protect sovereignty and territory. Political security, social order and safety are guaranteed, and potential complex factors are promptly handled. 

Crime prevention and control has been drastically implemented, strongly attack and suppress all kinds of crimes, especially economic crimes, organized crimes, manipulate the stock market, etc. real estate, black credit, cybercrime… 

Foreign affairs and international integration have been actively, proactively and synchronously implemented; Bilateral and multilateral activities are active and effective. Continue to consolidate and promote effective relations with other countries, especially neighboring countries, major countries and important partners. 

Harmoniously and appropriately handle the regional and global issues, affirm Vietnam’s consistent viewpoint and stance as a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member in the international community. Participate and actively contribute to consolidate and enhance the solidarity in ASEAN. International economic integration and economic diplomacy, vaccine diplomacy continue to be promoted. 

2.2 About limitations, difficulties and challenges 

Production and business activities of enterprises and people still face many difficulties. Many supply chains continue to be affected; prices of input materials, especially petrol and oil prices dramatically fluctuate; energy conversion is still slow; export turnover is also highly dependent on foreign-invested enterprises (FDI); The stock market, corporate bonds and real estate have many potential risks. State budget revenue is increased by 15.4% over the same period, however revenue from production and business activities is only increased by 5.4%, it is necessary to promote sustainable revenue growth. 

Investment attraction in the field of agricultural product processing is still low; Small-scale agricultural exports account for a large proportion. Building and perfecting institutions have not kept pace with socio-economic development. The planning work is still slow and there are many problems; disbursement of public investment capital has not met the requirements; management of public assets, land and resources are still wasted, and environmental pollution has been slowly improved. 

The implementation of the National Target Programs and some contents of the Socio-Economic Development and Recovery Program is slow. There are some limitations in the fields of health and education. The situation of security, social order and safety in some areas and fields is still complicated.

The people’s life is still difficult, especially in remote and rural areas, ethnic minority areas, people affected by natural disasters, epidemics and COVID-19 pandemic. 

2.3 Causes of limitations and difficulties 

In addition to the objective factors, the fluctuation of the world, the region is rapid, complicated and unpredictable and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic; the above shortcomings and limitations contain the subjective causes, first of all, the analysis, evaluation and forecast is still limited; the initiative in directing, operating and organizing implementation at some levels, some agencies, units and localities is still not high, at times, there are still awkward, passive and inflexible places; autonomy, the spirit of self-provision and self-reliance in some ministries, branches and localities is not high; coordination between a number of ministries, branches and localities is not really close and effective; The working capacity, spirit and responsibility of cadres and civil servants have somewhat not yet met the requirements of their duties… 

General assessment: Although there are still many difficulties and challenges, the socio-economy in the first months of the year has positively changed and the important and quite comprehensive results in all fields are achieved thanks to the wise leadership of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, the Secretariat, the direction of the General Secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, together with the State’s important decisions, including the resolutions passed at the Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly in January 2022; the drastic, strong, focused direction and administration of the Government, the Prime Minister, the efforts of the whole political system and the business community, with the consensus and support of the nationwide people and the support of international friends. 

The epidemic is basically controlled; macroeconomy is stable; major balances of the economy are secured; the growth of all major industries and fields is higher than the same period; infrastructure projects are implemented synchronously with high determination. The backlogs that have lasted for many years are being solved step by step with certainty and efficiency. The fields of culture, society, environment, national defense, security and foreign affairs have all achieved positive results; People’s lives continue to be improved. The achieved results have created an exciting atmosphere in the whole society, contributing to strengthening and consolidating the people’s confidence in the Party’s leadership and the State’s management. 

II. MAJOR TASKS AND SOLUTIONS FOR THE NEXT TIME 

Before the domestic and international evolution, the implementation of the goals and tasks of the 2022 plan, especially the economic growth target of 6% – 6.5%, is a great challenge. The Government determines to continue setting up an independent, self-reliant economy, associated with proactive, active, extensive, substantive and effective integration; at the same time, it is required that all levels, branches and localities continue to firmly grasp the situation, drastically implement synchronously the tasks and solutions to create the drastic changes in socio-economic development with the following focuses: 

1. Continue to synchronously and effectively implement the Resolutions and Conclusions of the Central Committee, the National Assembly and the Government; focus on controlling COVID-19 epidemic and recovering quickly and developing the sustainable society – economy. Expeditiously implement the Resolutions of the 5th Plenum of the 13th Central Committee, especially on land, collective economy, cooperatives, agriculture, farmers and rural areas; expeditiously complete and submit the plan to the National Assembly for consideration and amendment of the 2013 Land Law. 

2. Actively run synchronously, flexibly, closely coordinate monetary, fiscal policies and other policies in order to maintain macroeconomic stability, ensure major balances and control inflation. Promote sustainable increase in the state budget revenue, thoroughly save expenses, especially non-business expenditures of investment nature. Accelerate the restructuring of the system of credit institutions associated with dealing with bad debts, especially weak commercial banks. Strengthen the management and supervision of the stock market, corporate bonds, and real estate, ensure healthy, safe and sustainable development. Closely monitor the market and prices; operate, stabilize prices; promote trade, import and export; take the effective solutions to maintain supply chain stability. 

3. Implement the drastic solutions to strongly promote disbursement of public investment capital, ensure efficiency. Resolutely transfer 2022 public investment capital of ministries, branches, central agencies and localities that are slow to deploy to other units and projects that can be completed soon and promote efficiently. Accelerate the completion of procedures and disbursement of 03 National Target Programs. To soon submit the National Assembly Standing Committee for consideration and comments on the list of projects using capital from the Socio-Economic Development and Recovery Program. 

Speed up the construction and development progress of a synchronous and modern strategic infrastructure system in terms of transport, energy, digital infrastructure, agricultural and rural infrastructure, commercial and medical infrastructure, education, culture, society… The concerned ministries, branches and localities highly focus on implementing key national projects, creating new motivation for development; striving to complete 361 km of North-South expressway in the East by the end of 2022, phase 1; In the fourth quarter of 2022, a series of 12 North-South expressway projects in the East, phase 2, will commence simultaneously the runway, Long Thanh international airport terminal… submit 05 key national projects taking into account for the regional connectivity to the National Assembly for consideration and decision. 

4. Continue to restructure the economy in association with renovating the growth model; promote the development of digital economy, circular economy; boost the domestic production capacity. Take the advantage of the signed new-generation free trade agreements. Promote the development of processing, manufacturing and supporting industries. Restructure agricultural production in association with improving productivity, quality and efficiency; especially, soon promulgate mechanisms and policies to encourage and support enterprises to invest in the field of agricultural product processing and official export, to overcome the situation of small-scale cross-border exports. Strongly promote the transition, use clean energy, renewable energy. Restructure the market and actively promote, publicize and restore tourism to adapt the new situation. Expeditiously handle, step by step, the projects that are behind the schedule and last for many years. 

5. Promote the regional linkage and urban development, speed up the formulation and approval of the master plans. Issue the action plans to implement the Resolution No. 11-NQ/TW and the Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the direction of socio-economic development, ensure the national defense, security in the Northern Midlands and Mountains, and the Mekong River Delta. 

Urgently complete the formulation of projects and submit them to the Politburo for issuing the Resolution for the Red River Delta, the North Central and Central Coast regions, the Central Highlands and the Southeast region (in the third quarter, the fourth quarter of 2022). 

6. Strengthen the building and perfecting of institutions to keep up with the socio-economic development. Strengthen administrative reform, especially administrative procedure reform, improve business investment environment. Strongly implement decentralization, decentralization, individualization of responsibilities, associated with reasonable resource allocation, improvement of staff qualifications, inspection, supervision and control of power; anti-corruption, negative. Improve the efficiency of citizen reception, settlement of complaints and denunciations. 

7. Continue to implement safe, flexible adaptation and effective control of COVID-19 epidemic; proactively take measures to respond to emerging diseases. Strengthen the capacity of the health system. Improve the quality of comprehensive education at all educational levels; well organize the final high school graduation exam and the entrance exams into the university and college in 2022. Study and absorb the opinions of the People, parliamentarians on stipulating that history is a compulsory subject in the educational program at the high school level. Promote science and technology development, national digital transformation, further promote entrepreneurship and innovation. 

8. Economic development must be harmonious with cultural and social development and environmental protection. Synchronously implement the solutions to develop Vietnamese culture and people. Continue to well implement the preferential policies for people with meritorious services to the revolution, solutions to support people and workers who are affected by natural disasters and epidemics, and ensure social security. Complete to issue the regulations on the minimum wage for contracted employees, effective from July 2022. Pay more attention to effectively implementing the development of social houses, workers’ houses. 

Focus on directing and speeding up the implementation process of national target programs on sustainable poverty reduction, new rural construction and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Well carry out the care for the elderly, gender equality, and protection of mothers and children. Pay attention to the implementation of policies on religion and belief. Continue to promote the development of physical training and sports, especially mass sports and high-achievement sports. 

9. Effectively manage and use land and natural resources, and protect the environment; proactively prevent and combat natural disasters and adapt to climate change. The concerned ministries, branches and localities shall promptly and proactively implement seriously and definitively the conclusions of land inspection and examination; review and handle the projects that have been delayed, backlogged for many years, and put into operation soon to serve socio-economic development. 

10. Closely monitor the evolutions of the world and the region situation, synchronously take the solutions to ensure national defense and security, prevent from being passive or surprised, especially in key areas and strategic locations; firmly protect national independence and sovereignty. Strengthen the construction of the all-people national defense battle position, the people’s security battle position and the solid people’s heart-warming battle position. Strengthen the suppression of crimes, ensure political security, social order and safety. Speed up the investigation of economic, corruption and negative cases. Effectively implement the solutions to ensure traffic order and safety, fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage. 

11. Implement synchronously and comprehensively bilateral and multilateral external activities, proactively integrate into the world. Organize the effective implementation of the 2022 high-level foreign affairs program. 

12. Strengthen the information and communication, promote the effectiveness of mass mobilization, create social consensus, gather information and propagate the Party’s guidelines, lines and policies, and the country’s development achievements; discover and replicate good models, valuable lessons, examples of good people, and good deeds that spread in society in order to arouse the will of self-control, autonomy, and spirit of innovation and creativity of each agency, units, of each citizen and enterprise. 

Dear National Assembly and voters nationwide! 

The result achieved in the first months of the year is very important, but the duty of socio-economic recovery and development in the coming time is very heavy, with many difficulties and challenges. Promoting the results achieved, with the spirit of solidarity and unity of the entire political system and the people of the country, we will strive to successfully complete the tasks in 2022 and the following years. 

The Government hopes to continue receiving the attention and guidance from the Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Secretariat, directed by the General Secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong; the sharing and supervision of the President, the National Assembly, the National Assembly Standing Committee, the National Assembly President, Parliamentarians, Vietnam Fatherland Front, Socio-political Unions and the People nationwide. 

Source : Baotintuc