Report on implementation outcomes of 2021 socio-economic development plan

Below is translation of the report for reference:

In accordance with the agenda of the Legislature’s sitting, the Government has submitted 54 reports and statements on different fields, which include thorough and comprehensive reports on the implementation outcomes of the Socio-economic development plan for 2021, orientations for 2022 as well as the COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control work. On behalf of the Government, I would like to report to the National Assembly together with compatriots and voters nationwide on the following key matters:

I. THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SITUATION AND OUTCOMES FOR 2021

2021 is the year in which many of our country’s important events take place; is the first year in the course of implementing the Resolution of the Party’s 13^th National Congress, the 10-year Socio-economic development Strategy for the 2021-2030 period and 5-year plans for the 2021-2025 period against the backdrop of the ever-harsher difficulties and challenges that our country faces. As new waves of COVID-19 continue to break out with new variants, there remain many uncertainties in the global economy and growth is still volatile; with countries in the South East Asian region are heavily affected. Within our country, the fourth COVID-19 wave have broken out in many localities, with the emergence of the more contagious and dangerous Delta variant that have deeply pervaded large economic hubs and urban centers … In order to achieve the ultimate goal of protecting the people’s health and lives, we have been forced to take many unprecedented measures that are more forceful and resolute; which severely affected production, commerce and the people’s livelihood. 

In that context, under the united leadership of the Party’s Central Committee, with the direct and regular leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat; the timely issuance of special decisions to serve the purposes of responding to the pandemic, achieving socio-economic development and ensuring the provision of social welfare, as well as the effective supervision conducted by the National Assembly and its Standing Committee; the resolute directions and operations of the Government, of the different levels, branches and localities; together with the common will, the support, the acts of sharing and the active participation of different social strata and the business community, we have achieved many important and encouraging results in the entire system and in all fields:

1. The organization of the Party’s National Congress, the elections of deputies to the National Assembly and the People’s Councils at levels, and the completion of the personnel work involving the leadership positions in state organs

In the context of the COVID-19’s pandemic complex evolution in certain localities, we have thoroughly conducted preparations and very successfully organized the Party’s 13^th National Congress, the elections of deputies to the National Assembly and the People’s Councils at levels, along with the completion of the personnel work involving the leadership positions in state organs, thereby contributing to the maintenance of socio-political stability, while also affirming the synchrony and the consistency of the “Party leads – the State manages – the People exercise mastery” mechanism, creating a solid foundation and the favorable conditions for the fulfillment of our country’s socio-economic development targets and tasks.

2. On the response to the COVID-19 pandemic

In the past months, the top priority in the resolute and assertive directions/operations of the Government, as well as the different levels, branches and localities has been to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; with the spirit of upholding past legacies while also innovating - as the situation is unprecedented so practical needs must be closely met, and drawing lessons from experiences as one’s work is conducted, thereby supplementing and refining the pandemic response measures step by step, in a manner that suits the highly contagious and dangerous new variant that is harder to control, following the motto: “5K vaccines treatment technology raising the People’s awareness”. When the disease pervaded the urban areas, critical economic zones and industrial sites, we have quickly adjusted the organization of the pandemic response, following an approach that involves the entire people, with the commune level as the “fortress”, and the people as the “soldiers”; while also bringing medical services and social welfare to the grassroots level so that the people can access them in a more timely and effective manner, in addition to protecting the People’s security and safety.

Owing to the resolute participation of the entire political system, the high level of effort and determination along with the close coordination of different levels, sectors and localities – most notably, the frontline forces such as healthcare staffs, soldiers, public security officers and grassroots-level forces, as well as the solidarity, the common will, the support and the active participation of different social strata and the business community, the fight against the pandemic is progressing in an increasingly positive and effective manner, especially after the upgrading and consolidation of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 response, and the mobilization of forces on an unprecedented scale in a short period of time – around 300,000 cadres and officers (in the healthcare sector, the military and the public security forces) from the central-level institutions and several localities were diverted to support other localities that underwent social distancing and intensified social distancing. At the same time, vaccine diplomacy has also been promoted; the National Fund for COVID-19 Vaccines was established; vaccine imports, research, and technology transfer for domestic production has been stepped up; a vaccination campaign on a scale larger than ever before has been launched in the following spirit: “the best vaccine is the earliest vaccine that can be administered”. Individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements in the course of responding to the pandemic were timely encouraged and rewarded. In places where the conditions are suitable, and the disease outbreaks are safely contained, production and commerce activities were appropriately sustained; disruptions in the manufacturing, supply and labor chains were minimized as much as possible.

It could be said that, we have spared no efforts and made the most of our circumstances in the face of the many limitations and shortcomings when it comes to our resources and the capabilities of our healthcare system, most notably at the grassroots level (most of the medical supplies, biologicals and equipment, especially medicines and vaccines still could not be produced domestically and have to be imported in the context of global shortages). Therefore, results have been achieved, as the Party Central Committee has assessed: “The guidelines, policies and measures in the recent periods of time were sound and prompt; the direction and organization of the implementation were urgent and resolute, leading to the achievement of important results. To date, the pandemic is basically controlled on a national scale, and in many localities, the roadmap towards the safe and flexible adaptation to the pandemic, as well as the effective control of the pandemic is being actualized.”

The remarkable thing is that, during the most difficult and intensely challenging moments of the pandemic, the spirit of great national solidarity was vigorously brought into play; there were many role models and lofty gestures that moved the people’s hearts. Tens of thousands of doctors and medical staffs – the “soldiers in white coats”, had to spend long periods of time away from their families; they made sacrifices, persistently held onto the frontline, disregarded the dangers and selflessly fought for the people’s health and lives. Hundreds of thousands of officers and fighters from the military, the public security force and the Community COVID response teams closely followed developments in their areas while supporting localities and their people day and night with all their dedication and strength, without fearing any hardships and difficulties. Many patients volunteered to participate in the fight against the pandemic after they had recovered. Among them, some people have passed away. The political systems at all levels, especially the authorities at the grassroots level have “entered every single alley, knocked on every single door, and checked up on every single resident” to serve the purpose of responding to the pandemic while ensuring the provision of social welfare and the people’s livelihood. The Vietnamese Fatherland Front, the mass mobilization organs at all levels, the socio-political organizations, the people’s unions, mass associations, the intelligentsia, artists, journalists, reporters, the people and businesses within and outside our country… all have had many specific and substantive initiatives and actions as they participate in the fight against the pandemic (there is a separate report on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic).

The Party and the State acknowledge, hold in high regard and are thankful for the efforts, the support, the effective contributions and the lofty gestures shown by our compatriots, comrades, soldiers and businesses with all their dedication and strength, in addition to the help provided by our compatriots overseas and by international friends in this fight against the pandemic; while also deeply empathizing with the People as they bear the damage and losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of human lives, as well as material and mental wellbeing.

3. On the socio-economic development situation

In order to surmount the difficulties caused by the severe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has directed the levels, branches and localities to resolutely implement the Resolution of the Party’s 13^th National Congress, the Resolutions and Conclusions of the Party Central Committee and the National Assembly, the directions of the Politburo and the Secretariat along with the Government’s Resolutions, programs and plans of action; closely and flexibly coordinate fiscal, monetary and other types of policies in one’s directions and operations; in addition to focusing on handling difficulties, removing bottlenecks and overcoming challenges; sparing no efforts in the actualization of targets, tasks and solutions assigned by the National Assembly.

According to estimates, for this year, 8 out of the 12 targets that had been set are expected to be fulfilled and exceeded. Macroeconomic stability continues to be maintained; inflation is controlled, the consumer price index (CPI) for the first 9 months only increased by 1.82% on average, and the approximated increase for the whole year is expected to be below the level set by the National Assembly; while large balances of the economy are basically ensured. State budget revenues for the first 9 months reached over 80% of the yearly estimates, and the revenues for this whole year are expected to exceed the yearly estimates, basically ensuring sufficient resources for the pandemic response work and other urgent tasks; the state budget deficits stay within the limits laid out in the estimates (at 4% of the GDP). The total investment capital mobilized of the entire society for this whole year is expected to reach about 35% of the GDP. The total export turnover for the first 9 months reached over USD 240 billion, and the figure for this whole year is expected to increase by 10.7%. The average level of interest rates decreased; exchange rates and the foreign currency markets are stable, while the foreign currency reserves continue to be consolidated. The agriculture sector continues to affirm its role as the economy’s supporting pillar, as it ensures the national food security while striving so that 68% of communes will have met the standards for new-style rural areas by the end of the year. The manufacturing and processing industries saw fairly good rates of growth; and energy security is ensured. Many infrastructure projects of national significance continue to be deployed.

Building and refining institutions, together with raising the effectiveness and efficiency in law enforcement are identified as core and breakthrough tasks that contribute to the removal of difficulties and obstacles in production and commerce. The Government has put more focus on the institution building work; coordinated more closely and effectively with the National Assembly’s organs in the timely review, amendments and supplements of mechanisms, policies and legal provisions that meet the practical needs of responding to the pandemic, as well as achieving socio-economic recovery and development.

Implementing Resolution no. 30/2021/QH15 dated July 28^th, 2021 of the National Assembly, the Government issued Resolution no. 86/NQ-CP on the urgent solutions to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; reported to the competent authorities and the National Assembly’s Standing Committee in order to timely deploy solutions that support business, cooperatives and business households; provided aid to the laborers and the employers from the Unemployment Insurance Fund; submitted recommendations to the competent authorities so that certain types of taxes and fees can be soon waived as a way of removing obstacles in production and commerce; while also directing the ministries, branches and localities to review/refine mechanisms and policies, in the spirit of proactiveness – whichever level or branch faces bottlenecks, then that very level/branch shall actively overcome their own hurdles, amending/refining mechanisms and policies in order to aid the people and businesses in surmounting difficulties, so that they could soon have a stable life and achieve socio-economic recovery and development.   

Cultural and social activities have been organized in a manner that suits the situation surrounding the pandemic, with notable rises in activities organized by virtual means. Activities to show gratitude and take care of people with meritorious service to the revolution have been stepped up; activities to look after beneficiaries of social protections for vulnerable groups and poverty reduction policies have likewise been furthered. The provision of social welfare and assistance to the people, the laborers and the employers (who were affected by the pandemic) have been actively and effectively carried out. Policies regarding ethnic groups, religions, beliefs, the elderly, children, families, gender equality and women’s progress continue to receive attention; impressive results were achieved in high performance sports.

Attention continued to be paid to protecting and taking care of the people’s health; the online medical consultation and treatment platforms have become further interconnected. Vaccine research, technological transfer and the domestic production of vaccines, medicines and biologicals were encouraged. Graduation exams and admission tests for college and universities were well organized; academic year opening ceremonies, in addition to on-site and online learning were flexibly organized in a manner that suits the situation regarding the pandemic; the “Internet connection and computers for children” Program has been actively deployed. Activities involving research, the application of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in different fields have been vigorously promoted.

Management and utilization of land and resources, environmental protection, prevention and control of natural disasters, as well as the adaptation to climate change all receive regular directions. The Party Central Committee’s Resolution on land and the Politburo’s Resolution on mineral resources were actively reviewed; some shortcomings in the regulations on the management of land, natural resources and the environment were overcome. The 5-year land use plan for the 2021-2025 period is being submitted to the competent authorities. Targets on environmental protection were fulfilled according to plan.

Public administration reforms (especially those that involve public administrative procedures) continue to be stepped up. Decentralization and delegation of powers in state management, along with mechanisms to further inspect, supervise and control powers were refined and reported to the competent authorities. The organizational apparatus within ministries, branches and localities continued to be reviewed and rearranged, in conjunction with streamlining the personnel. Administrative discipline has been strengthened; in fields where corruption and negative conduct are likely to occur, or fields that attract the attention of the public, examinations and inspections have been further carried out. The prevention, detection and handling of corruption have been strictly carried out in accordance with the directions of the Central Steering Committee Against Corruption and Negative Conduct. Importance has been attached to the citizen reception work, as well as the settling of complaints and denunciations; the rate of denunciations that have been settled reaches 88.3%, exceeding the targets that had been set (85%). National defense and security have been firmly maintained; social order and public safety have been ensured. Complicated situations on the sea and along the borders have been flexibly, appropriately and effectively settled. Measures to ensure political security, social order and public safety have been enhanced; with focus placed on suppressing different types of criminals; thereby ensuring security and safety during important national events. Wrongful and distortive viewpoints/ideas of hostile forces and reactionary organizations have been timely struggled against and refuted.

The diplomatic work, especially vaccine diplomacy, political diplomacy and economic diplomacy, has been conducted in a manner that is synchronous, comprehensive, flexible, effective, and suitable for current situation; external diplomatic communication and citizen protection have received attention and directions; thereby firmly maintaining a peaceful and stable environment that is favorable for development, while also continuing to raise our country’s status and prestige in the international arena.

Media and communications continue to be renovated in an active and timely manner, thereby contributing to the creation of social consensus, especially when it comes to the pandemic response, as well as socio-economic recovery and development. Close coordination with organs of the Party, the State, the Fatherland Front, as well as mass mobilization organs and socio-political organizations has been carried out to further propagate and mobilize different social strata, thereby consolidating the great national solidarity bloc and the faith among the People; the spread harmful and toxic information has been promptly prevented, and violations have been strictly handled.

4. Existing shortcomings and their causes

Within the socio-economic reports and the reports on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic sent to the National Assembly delegates, the existing shortcomings in different fields have been specifically stated; among them, the key matters are as follows:

At times or in certain places, the response to the pandemic is still lacking in proactiveness when it comes to providing leadership and directions, as well as organizing the implementation, especially during the initial stage where large outbreaks occurred in Ho Chi Minh City and certain adjacent provinces in the Southern region due to the highly contagious, dangerous, unpredictable and hard-to-contain Delta variant; there remains inconsistencies in the deployment of pandemic response measures, especially regarding the implementation of social distancing at the grassroots level; between localities, there are inconsistencies in the implementation of regulations related to travelling, which caused the People to experience bottlenecks and inconveniences and some places. Access to sources of vaccines is still slow compared to some countries, as many difficulties are encountered due to global shortages; there are many risks in the procurement of vaccines, as certain conditions imposed by the suppliers have to be accepted. The capabilities of the healthcare system, especially at the grassroots level are still limited with many shortcomings, which led to overloads in certain localities, and high mortality rates in the initial stage. There have been difficulties in the deployment of relief and the ensuring of social welfare in certain areas, especially quarantine/lockdown facilities, as the number of people in need of aid reaches tens of millions of people.

It is expected that 4 out of the 12 socio-economic targets could not yet be fulfilled. In the first 6 months of the year, the economy grew by 5.64%, however in the 3^rd quarter it contracted by 6.17% due to the severe effects of the 4^th wave of COVID-19 outbreaks; therefore, the overall rate of GDP growth for the first 9 months only reached 1.42%. There remain potential macroeconomic risks; inflationary pressures are on the rise; exports have decelerated, and the trend of trade deficits have continued; while exports are dependent on the FDI sector and a small handful of markets. Disruptions in certain manufacturing, supply and labor chains started to occur. Financial, real estate and stock markets had spikes at certain moments. The disbursement progress of public investment capital is slow, especially with regards to ODA and preferential loans. The service sector, especially tourism, accommodation, food and beverages along with passenger transport faces severe difficulties. Labor and employment are heavily affected. There are many difficulties in the current situation regarding production and commerce, as well as in the lives of a section of the people, most notably in quarantined/locked down areas and the epicenters of outbreaks. The resilience of the economy is significantly weakened; the number of laborers who are suspended from work, in need of work or lost their jobs are on the rise. The spiritual life and the mental wellbeing of the people are affected, especially in areas that underwent social distancing and intensified, prolonged social distancing. There have been increases in the number of businesses that are temporarily suspended or are awaiting dissolution (although it is still lower than the number of newly-formed enterprises or enterprises that resumed their operations). The rate of bad debts is trending towards an increase, with many potential risks.

The shifts in the ratio between industries/sectors, and shifts in the internal composition of industries/sectors have been slow; the industrial and service sectors face many difficulties. There remain many limitations in the restructuring of the 3 critical sectors. The equitization of SOEs has not yet kept to schedule. There remain many difficulties and bottlenecks that needs to be overcome in the handling of poorly performing banks and inefficient projects/enterprises; suggestions are being submitted to competent authorities so that there could be mechanisms to handle 2 poorly performing commercial banks and 5 inefficient/insufficiently progressing projects/enterprises. The formulation of master plans in accordance with the Law on Master Planning remains slow.

The quality of human resources has not had substantial changes. With regards to online teaching and learning, there are still many shortcomings. There remain many challenges that need to be overcome when it comes to the protection of information safety and cybersecurity, as well as the struggle against criminals. There are potentially complicated factors related to national defense and security.

The aforementioned shortcomings and weaknesses stem from many causes The fundamental objective cause is the rapid and complex evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to severe effects and consequences, causing 23 localities to implement prolonged social distancing and intensified social distancing measures – within these localities are the economic hubs and areas containing the momentum for growth. At the same time, there have also been other external factors, such as: the disruptions in the global supply chain; the steep rises in the raw material/fuel costs, and the international freight transportation fees/expenses; the interruptions in the mobilization of foreign experts, managers and contractors, as well as the import of machinery and equipment. The slow recovery in the global flow of investment capital has affected the ability to attract FDI.

The subjective causes are primarily rooted in how leadership, operations and the organization of implementations are conducted: at times or in certain places, there remain negligence, together with a lack of vigilance and proactiveness, as well as inflexibility; there is still a lack of synchrony when it comes to providing leadership and directions to handle specific or unexpected situations; shortcomings and limitations are still present with regards to analyzing and predicting situations, in order to formulate and implement plans so that responding to the pandemic and achieving socio-economic development can both occur simultaneously; the capabilities of a section of the cadres are still limited; at times or in certain places,  the implementation of the Central-level organs’ measures, directions and instructions (on the pandemic response, on the circulation of goods and on the safe organization of production) have not yet been timely and strict; the implementation also lack consistency and flexibility. The coordination between ministries, branches, and localities is yet to be truly close, and the effectiveness is yet to be high; mechanisms/policies have not yet been timely amended, supplemented and promulgated in order to meet the needs that stem from the rapidly and unpredictably changing realities; the public administrative procedures for businesses and the people still lead to many inconveniences.

5. Some experiences

Through the realities in the process of providing leadership and directions, in addition to conducting operations over recent periods of time, some initial lessons can be drawn from experiences:

(1) When it comes to leadership, it is necessary to be consistent, thorough, resolute and prompt, from the central-level down to the grassroots level; practical needs must be closely followed, suitable plans and measures need to be timely devised in order to effectively respond to the pandemic while also achieving socio-economic recovery and development; it is absolutely imperative to avoid negligence and stay alert while also keeping oneself from being confused, panicked or hasty when responding to the pandemic.

(2) Stepping up the reviewing and refinement of institutions/laws, in conjunction with raising the effectiveness and efficiency of enactment – this has notable significance, as it not only remove bottlenecks and difficulties, but also create momentum for growth; importance should be attached to preliminary reviews and evaluation of the practical conditions; it is necessary to timely draw lessons from experience while also raising capabilities to analyze, predict, give warnings and firmly grasp the situations, in order to promptly and effectively respond to/handle issues that arise.

(3) In order to timely and effectively grasp and handle the obstacles/urgent needs that stem from practical conditions, most notably the rapidly developing situations in the process of responding to the pandemic and socio-economic development, it is vital to raise the capabilities of the political system and the State’s ability to manage society, especially at the grassroots level.

(4) The spirit of great national solidarity and the spirit of self-reliance must be brought into play; all resources must be efficiently mobilized; meanwhile, it is also very important to take advantage of all opportunities, increase cooperation and utilize the support of the international community – all of this creates the combined strength to fulfill the targets and tasks that had been laid out.

(5) The communication and dissemination work must be strengthened, so as to raise the level of pro-activeness and awareness, the sense of responsibility as well as the level of knowledge and skills of the People in the process of responding to the pandemic and striving for socio-economic development, while also consolidating the faith of the People and creating strength from social consensus.

6. Key tasks and solutions for the final months of 2021

Highest efforts should be made in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic; urgently formulate and implement specific plans/scenarios that are closely match the practical conditions; resolutely act, effectively and synchronously realize the tasks and solutions that had been laid out, following the motto of sharpness, flexibility, creativity, levelheadedness and timeliness, with the consistent goal of protecting the People’s health and lives as the first and foremost priority; step up vaccine imports, research and technological transfer as well as domestic production; accelerate the vaccination progress and expand vaccine coverage, prepare the necessary medicines for treatment, while also raising the capabilities regarding healthcare, especially when it comes to treatment and grassroots level healthcare; develop a roadmap towards the safe and flexible adaptation to the pandemic, striving so that the pandemic is effectively controlled throughout the country, in order to focus on remedying the pandemic’s consequences, in addition to achieving socio-economic recovery and development.

Urgently complete and report to the competent authorities on the Overall Strategy for the pandemic response, along with the Program for socio-economic recovery and development. Immediately review and remove institutional bottlenecks/difficulties; cut down on the procedures and costs related to production and commerce. Flexibly adjust fiscal, monetary and other types of policies to firmly maintain macroeconomic stability, ensure large balances of the economy and bolster production and commerce. Step up the disbursement of public investment capital; vigorously step-up exports; closely control prices and markets. Focus on prioritizing the deployment of substantive and effective aid policies for the people and businesses; quickly recover the labor market, which has been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; step up the recovery and development of production and commerce; ensure that the supply and circulation of goods occur smoothly. Unleash all resources for the pandemic response and socio-economic development, ensuring the provision of social welfare. Promptly bring students back to school in a safe manner. Consolidate and firmly maintain national defense and security; continue to vigorously conduct vaccine diplomacy, economic diplomacy and political diplomacy; promote international economic integration. Raise the quality and effectiveness in the communication work.

II. SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATIONS FOR 2022

2022 is a year with considerable significance, as it creates the foundation so that the targets in the 5-year plan for the 2021-2025 period could be fulfilled. With regards to the international and domestic situations, it is predicted that there shall be favorable factors and opportunities, as well as difficulties and challenges – all of which shall be intertwined; nonetheless, difficulties and challenges shall predominate. COVID-19 outbreaks may emerge in a more complex and dangerous manner. Economic growth across the globe shall be uneven, volatile and lower than 2021; with risks continuing to be on the rise. Within our country, the level of experience and capabilities in responding to the pandemic shall continue to be raised; however, the level of resilience and resources of the State, of businesses and of the people may still decline. The potential risks of a slow economic recovery and reduced growth still remain, so long as the pandemic could not be controlled on a fundamental level, so that the economy could be re-opened; inflationary risks are on the rise; natural disasters and climate change always pose potential dangers.

1. Guiding viewpoints for directions and operations

(1) Closely follow the developmental viewpoint as laid out in the Resolution of the Party’s 13^th National Congress. Bring into play the strength of our great national solidarity and the political system; upholding the spirit of self-reliance, relying mainly on our inner strength, while the strength that comes from the outside plays a necessary and important role.

(2) Place the people’s health and lives as the first and foremost priority; step by step adapt safely and flexibly to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also controlling it effectively. Responding to the pandemic is a regular and long-term task; vaccination, tests, quarantine and treatment have a special significance; hold in high regard the awareness, the sense of responsibility and self-control of the people and businesses in the course of responding to the pandemic.

(3) Effectively respond to the pandemic while also achieving socio-economic recovery and development, firmly maintain macro-economic stability, ensure the provision of social welfare, recover and stabilize the labor market, in addition to raising the people’s income and livelihood; ensure synchrony, consistency, clarity and a sense of responsibility in the directions and operations of the levels, branches and localities.

(4) Appropriately, feasibly and flexibly adjust monetary and fiscal policies, adapting to the context of a prolonged pandemic; focus on fulfilling 3 core tasks: recover and bolster production/commerce; step up exports; accelerate the public investment capital disbursement progress and the mobilization of society’s resources, so as to develop a synchronous system of infrastructure, especially strategic infrastructure.

(5) Ensure political stability, social order and public safety; continue to consolidate and strengthen national defense and security, while also raising the quality and effectiveness of activities involving diplomacy and international integration.

2. Goals and key targets

(1) Goals:  Safely and flexibly adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic while also controlling it effectively; protect the People’s lives and health as much as possible, in addition to putting focus on taking advantage of opportunities, so that socio-economic recovery and development could be achieved, with overall solutions to stimulate the economy, provide assistance and remove hurdles for businesses and the people, not letting the momentum for growth slip away in the long term. Firmly maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation, ensure large economic balances, in addition to raising the resilience and the adaptability of the economy. Continue to prioritize institutional review and refinement, in addition to raising the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement. Accelerate the progress in building a synchronous and modern system of infrastructure, especially with regards to several critical national constructions; make investments to raise the quality of human resources, in conjunction with developing science and technology, as well as innovation. Attach importance to the development of culture, ensure the provision of social welfare and livelihood for the people, especially people with meritorious service to the revolution, the poor and the disadvantaged. Strictly manage land and natural resources, in addition to protecting the environment while also adapting to climate change in an effective manner. Step up the reforms of public administrative procedures, thereby creating a favorable environment for business and investment, unleashing resources for development. Step up the work against corruption and negative conduct. Consolidate national defense and security, firmly maintaining independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; firmly maintain national security, ensuring social order and public safety. Proactively carry out international integration and raise the effectiveness of the diplomacy work; effectively conduct the communication work, creating social census.

(2) Key targets: there are 16 key targets related to society, the economy and the environment; among them, the target for the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate has been set at 6 – 6.5%; the consumer price index (CPI) is expected to rise by 4% on average; while the budget deficit is expected to be at 4% of the GDP.

3. Key tasks and solutions

(1) Focus on accomplishing (in a flexible and efficient manner) the goal of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic while also achieving socio-economic recovery and development. Effectively deploy the Overall Strategy for the pandemic response, develop a roadmap to adapt safely and flexibly to the COVID-19 pandemic while also controlling it effectively, consider this to be an important and urgent task for all levels and branches right from the beginning of 2022. Localities shall flexibly and creatively act according to the practical conditions while also conforming to the orientations laid out by Central-level organs. Continue to expand vaccine coverage and accelerate the vaccination campaign; raise the capabilities of the healthcare system, especially with regards to treatment and grassroots level healthcare; generalize practice, supplement, refine and effectively implement the pandemic response measures. Formulate plans to import, produce and administer vaccines – including vaccines for children, in a manner that is scientific, safe, effective, and sensible for 2022 and subsequent years. Refine institutions and legal provisions related to the pandemic response; with an emphasis on promoting socialization and public-private partnerships, ensuring sufficient resources for implementation.

Focus on implementing the Program for socio-economic recovery and development in an effective, appropriate and feasible manner. Flexibly make adjustments and closely coordinate fiscal, monetary and other types of policies, in order to firmly maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation and ensure large economic balances; while also assisting the recovery of production and commerce, in addition to stepping up exports, domestic consumption and investments, with mechanisms to mobilize more resources for socio-economic recovery and development. Raise the financial and budgetary discipline of the State, striving to increase revenues and radically save on spending. Efficiently mobilize society’s resources and appropriately prioritize the state budget towards core tasks. Ensure that economy’s demand for credit is satisfied, and the safety of the banking and credit system is protected.

(2) Prioritize the building and refinement of institutions, as well as the organization of law enforcement, with a focus on removing bottlenecks and reforming public administrative procedures, thereby improving the environment for businesses and investments. Institutionalize and concretize the Resolution of the Party’s 13^th National Congress. Effectively implement the National Assembly’s Resolution on the Program to formulate laws and ordinances for 2022. Raise the quality in the promulgation of legal normative documents. Urgently formulate and promulgate legal documents related to the pandemic response, as well as socio-economic recovery and development. Continuously raise the effectiveness in law enforcement; attach importance to handling international trade and investment disputes, in addition to refining institutions for the synchronous, stable and sustainable development of different types of markets. Step by step refine the mechanisms and policies involving the activities of different business models, products and services related to digital technology; create favorable conditions for the national digital transformation process.

(3) Conduct (in a more substantive and efficient manner) the restructuring of the economy, in conjunction with renewing the growth model, as well as raising productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness; develop a digital economy and a digital society. Efficiently prepare, allocate and step up the disbursement of public investment capital. Accelerate the progress for projects of national significance and national target programs. Vigorously promote investment outside of the state sector, in conjunction with removing difficulties and bottlenecks in investment and commerce. Ratify schemes to restructure state-owned economic groups and corporations. Be more resolute and efficient when it comes to restructuring credit organizations, in conjunction with handling bad debts and poorly performing projects/enterprises. Continue to restructure the state budget and efficiently manage public debt, ensuring the ability to pay. Step up restructuring, in conjunction with developing industries/sectors - with an orientation towards effectively utilizing new spaces for growth in addition to stepping up digital transformation, as well as the development of the digital economy, the green economy and the circular economy in accordance with an appropriate roadmap. Develop mechanisms to encourage enterprises to invest into scientific – technological research and development, as well as participate in the global value chains. Recover the disrupted manufacturing, supply and labor chains, assist and organize the task of connecting and assisting domestic enterprises that take part in this process. Restructure and effectively develop certain important industries and sectors that have been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

(4) Step up the building and development of a strategic, synchronous and modern infrastructure system, especially regarding traffic, energy, digital infrastructure, agricultural and rural infrastructure, thereby adapting to climate change…Utilize public investments to guide and stimulate society’s investments, especially through public-private partnerships. Accelerate the construction progress of critical infrastructure projects, of trade infrastructure and socio-cultural infrastructure; increase inter-region, inter-area and international connectivity, especially through important traffic infrastructure constructions, which include the Eastern North-South expressway, the My Thuan – Can Tho expressway, the Long Thanh International Airport and urban metro routes… Develop the system of agricultural and rural infrastructure, along with projects to prevent landslides caused by climate change.

(5) Raise the quality of education and training, step up scientific research, together with the development and application of technology, in addition to promoting innovation. Ratify and implement the Strategy on the development of education for the 2021 – 2030 period, with a vision towards 2045. Step up digital transformation in education and training; safely bring students back to school; diversify methods of organizing online teaching and learning activities in the context of the pandemic’s ongoing complex evolution. Deploy strategies and master plans involving vocational education. Attach importance to vocation training for the youth and the unemployed. Step up research, development, application and attract human resources for science and technology; develop a movement for innovation and innovative start-ups throughout the country, placing enterprises at the center.

(6) Bolster inter-region connectivity and connectivity between economic zones, develop urban areas and the urban economy, in addition to accelerating the progress in the formulation and ratification of master plans. Strive so that the ratification of master plans could be completed in 2022. Put forward mechanisms and policies to develop critical economic zones and new areas that contain the momentum for growth. Deploy plans and schemes for urban development and adaptation to climate change; make urban areas the momentum for regional development; strive so that the rate of urbanization reaches 41.5 – 42%.

(7) Harmoniously and appropriately combine economic and socio-cultural development; bring into play the values of the Vietnamese culture and people, attach importance to carrying out policies for people with meritorious service to the revolution and beneficiaries of social protections targeted at vulnerable groups, ensure the provision of social welfare. Effectively deploy the Strategy for the development of the Vietnamese culture in the 2021 – 2030 period. Appropriately organize social, cultural and artistic activities, ensuring safety in the context of the ongoing pandemic. Effectively carry out policies for people with meritorious service to the revolution and beneficiaries of social protections targeted at vulnerable groups, ensure the provision of social welfare, create jobs, in addition to achieving multi-dimensional and sustainable poverty reduction; increase the prevalence of social insurance, especially voluntary social insurance. Continue to review, promulgate and deploy policies to assist laborers in a synchronous, timely and effective manner; deploy solutions to recover and stabilize the labor market. Further inspect and supervise the implementation of social welfare policies. Step up the deployment of 3 National target Programs in a timely and effective manner. Attach importance to the development of housing for the workers, and build cultural institutions in industrial sites. Pay more attention to the work regarding ethnicities, religion, women’s progress, families, the youth, as well as care for the elderly and the children, especially children that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

(8) Efficiently manage/utilize land and natural resources; further protect the environment; proactively prevent and control natural disasters, in addition to adapting to climate change. Refine and submit the Land Law (amended) to the National Assembly for consideration and promulgation. Mobilize and utilize land and natural resources more efficiently; attach importance to the protection and development of different types of forests. Utilize the potential and the advantages with regards to the development of marine economic sectors. Raise the capabilities to predict/give warnings on natural disasters and adapt to climate change. Efficiently and sustainably utilize water resources, ensuring water security. Attach importance to solutions to adapt to climate change, fulfill the commitments in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Develop the waste treatment and recycling industry. Mobilize resources and formulate mechanisms/policies to effectively implement Resolution no. 120/NQ-CP on sustainably developing the Mekong Delta region.

(9) Raise the effectiveness and efficiency in state management, in addition to strengthening the capabilities to assist development; tighten the discipline in public administration in parallel with fostering an environment for innovation; step up the fight against corruption and negative conduct. Continue to rearrange and complete the organizational, personnel work of the state administration apparatus and public service delivery units, with an orientation towards leanness, effectiveness and efficiency. Implement the Overall Program for state administration reforms in the 2021 – 2030 period. Step up decentralization and the delegation of powers, in conjunction with increasing inspections, supervision and the control of powers. Tighten discipline in public administration and uphold the responsibilities of people in leadership positions; promptly detect and strictly handle violations. Continue to formulate, refine and strictly put into practice institutions, mechanisms and policies, resolutely preventing corruption and negative conduct; accelerate the progress in verifying, investigating, prosecuting, adjudicating and handling cases of corruption. Further conduct examinations, inspections and audits. Effectively conduct citizen reception, in addition to settling complaints and denunciations.

(10) Consolidate and enhance the national defense and security capabilities; resolutely and persistently struggle to firmly protect national independence and sovereignty; firmly maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development. Monitor and firmly grasp the current situation, advise the Party and the State to promptly and flexibly handle all situations that could arise; resolutely and persistently struggle to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity; closely combine national defense and security with socio-economic and cultural development. Strengthen the grasp on situations, proactively struggle to defeat all plots and acts of sabotage from the hostile and reactionary forces, avoid being caught by surprise. Focus on suppressing all types of criminals and social ills; ensure traffic safety, in addition to preventing fire and explosion hazards; attach importance to preventing, controlling and remedying the consequences of natural disasters and environmental accidents.

(11) Synchronously and effectively deploy the diplomacy work, proactively carry out international integration, contributing to the consolidation of Viet Nam’s status and prestige in the international arena. Deploy diplomatic activities, deepen the bilateral ties with partners, raise the level of political prestige and the intertwinement of interests, while also handling relations with large countries in a harmonious manner. Conduct more high-level diplomatic activities, effectively utilizing the strategic partnership and the comprehensive partnership frameworks, along with the free trade agreements (FTA). Carry out more effectively the tasks involving external diplomatic communication, cultural diplomacy, overseas Vietnamese people and citizen protection.

(12) Step up media and communications, create social consensus and raise the effectiveness in the mass mobilization work of governmental organs. Continue to increase media coverage on the pandemic response, as well as socio-economic recovery and development. Attach importance to popularizing and encouraging good examples, creative approaches and good people – good deeds role models. Raise the effectiveness in the mass mobilization work of governmental organs, closely coordinating with the Vietnamese Fatherland Front and the socio-political associations, thereby contributing to the creation of social consensus, consolidating the great national solidarity bloc and striving to fulfill the socio-economic development targets and tasks laid out by the National Assembly.

Nation Assembly delegates!

In the context of our country’s many difficulties and challenges, with the COVID-19’s unpredictable developments and impacts, the task of implementing 2022’s socio-economic development time, especially in the upcoming period, is heavy. With the highly determined spirit and the will of the entire Party, the entire People and the entire army, with strength derived from great national solidarity, as well as the faith of the People in the Party’s leadership and the State’s management, we shall definitely soon repel the pandemic, in order to achieve socio-economic recovery and development, continuously improve the People’s material and mental wellbeing, while pushing our country forwards on the path of renovation, integration and development.

The Government’s sincere proposal and hope, is to continue receiving the close leadership and directions of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, the Secretariat and of comrade General Secretary; the support and supervision of the National Assembly, the State President, the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, the socio-political organizations, the people’s unions, as well as the compatriots and voters nationwide, so as to join hands with the rest of the state administration system and victoriously fulfill with determination the socio-economic development targets and tasks assigned by the Party, the State and the People.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the National Assembly, along with our compatriots and voters nationwide./.

For reference only