Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses National Assembly’s Q&A sessions (Photo: VGP/ Nhat Bac)

The Prime Minister said the socio-economic situation in October and early November has seen progress, thanks to the shifting of the COVID-19 prevention and control strategy to one of safe, flexible, and effective adaptation, and to the government’s support for businesses and gradually opening the economy. A “new normal” has been established in many localities, creating favorable conditions for socio-economic recovery. However, according to Mr. Chinh, there are still many challenges and difficulties facing Vietnam.

“In the rest of this year, the Government will focus on completing a comprehensive COVID prevention strategy, and a program for socio-economic recovery and development. The Government will also speed up COVID-19 vaccination coverage, prepare antiviral drugs for COVID-19 treatment, and contain the pandemic enough to permit socio-economic growth. Difficulties for businesses will be resolved and smooth transportation of passengers and goods will be assured,” the Prime Minister said. 

Prime Minister Chinh said the Government will take necessary steps to attract sufficient labor to meet the demand in economic and industrial zones, and high-tech areas.

The remaining two months of the year will be focused on recovery, he said. “First, it is essential to improve preventive healthcare and local healthcare clinics. We need to set up a pandemic prevention fund. Second, the Government will focus on supporting human resources. Third, Government support will go to small and medium-sized enterprises, which have been hardest hit by the pandemic. Finally, we need to invest in infrastructure and administrative reform to help people and businesses quickly recover from the pandemic.”