He said the economy saw positive developments in the early months of the year with first-quarter GDP expanding by 6.03%, the highest rate in five years, and the consumer price index in April up by a modest 0.04% against the previous month.
The deputy PM, however, said that agriculture is facing many difficulties due to severe drought in the Central Highlands and South Central regions, and farmers are struggling to sell their produce.
The economy’s competitiveness remains weak with the number of enterprises forced to close or suspend business rising 4.5% over the same period last year, added Deputy PM Phuc.
He said in the remainder of the year, the government will focus on seven groups of measures to bolster the economy, notably improving the business climate, and accelerating economic restructuring and administrative reform.
Earlier in his opening remarks, National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung said the ninth session would see a heavy agenda as the parliament is scheduled to pass 11 bills and make comments on another 16 bills as it continues to realise the 2013 Constitution.
The National Assembly is also expected to decide on the proposed Long Thanh Airport project, which would reduce pressure on Tan Son Nhat Airport but received both support and opposition.
As part of its agenda, the parliament will also review reports on the miscarriage of justice in the enforcement of criminal law, voters’ feedback and results of the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held in Vietnam last March.
