Lam said given the global economic downturn due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the increase, however, is pretty good as compared with the region and the world.  During the reviewed period, the macro economy remained stable and the processing and manufacturing sector, despite its low growth, continued to be the engine of the national economy, Lam added.  He added based on forecast impact of the epidemic, the GSO devised two scenarios with a GDP projected growth of 5% this year if the epidemic is contained in the second quarter or the third quarter of this year. Lam said the expected growth rate is high compared with other countries in the region and the world and will be a victory of the government, the Prime Minister, ministries, sectors, enterprises, and the people.

He said to achieve the GDP growth rate of 6.8% set by the National Assembly, the government needs to disburse all public investment capital and implement tax, fiscal and monetary incentives to help enterprises and ensure sufficient supplies to meet consumption demand when the epidemic is over.