Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Jan. 2 (VNA)-- President Tran Duc Luong has called for concerted efforts to tap all possible resources for sustainable socio-economic development in a recent interview with the press.

The Head of State said the entire nation should further promote the 2002 achievements such as the year-on-year increases in gross domestic product, industrial, agricultural production, exports and service revenues. He also included high rises in investment from all economic sectors, higher-than-expected State budget revenue, rapid progress made in education, sciences, culture, public healthcare, and sports; and a decrease in poverty and unemployment rates.

"Social and political stability and national security are another major strong point that the country should maintain in the new year," said the President.

He, however, pointed out six major outstanding issues for socio-economic development.

Luong said:

First, despite high economic growth, the national economy's efficiency and competitiveness remain low, many industrial and agricultural products and services still have higher-than-normal prices, which, together with not yet high quality, made their competitiveness limited.

Second, although the policy to tap domestic resources for socio-economic development proved to be a sound, effective and major solution, many resources have been left untapped and therefore need more effective measures to be taken for better use.

Third, the planning and allocation of investment remained unrealistic in relation with the requirements for economic restructuring that aims to ensure a high and stainable economic growth. Investments in socio-economic infrastructure development in some localities still failed to meet the demand for narrowing the gap of development among different regions. Some major projects which were designed to play as a stimulus for sustainable development are still in slow tempo of construction.

Fourth, the renewal of State-owned enterprises, re-organisation of cooperatives under the new law, the establishment and development of alliances of multi-economic sector entities saw slow progress. Meanwhile, a market development strategy has not yet been formed and solutions contained temporary factors.

Fifth, a number of social burning problems have been on the way of solution, however, made slow progress, and some even showed signs of worsening such as traffic jams and accidents, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS infection, and corruption. The quality of education as well as negative phenomena in education and training, in medical checks and treatment, and in labour exports remained hard-to-crack nuts.

Sixth, although progress has been made in administrative reform, the administrative machanism remains cumbersome, and personal responsibility has not yet been clearly identified. The complicated and troublesome procedure and paperwork as well as wasteful State-budget spending remain common.

The State President also spoke of four solutions to be taken immediately to address the above-mentioned issues.

First, to concentrate efforts on making the best use of all resources, particularly tapping the internal strength, to link investment for development with requirements for economic restructuring. Economic establishments' ability in technologies and modern equipment should be raised in order to reduce production costs, thus lowering product price and raising the competitive edge of products in particular and of the whole economy in general.

Second, to focus on accelerating the implementation of the national export strategy, increasing scope of export lines, export value, and export efficiency while paying due attention to domestic market.

Third, to work out regular plans, take strict and synchronous measures, and define responsibilities of each individual and organisation in curbing traffic accidents and addressing social evils, drug addiction, prostitution, and juvenile delinquency.

Fourth, to speed up the administrative reform, regarding it a key to materialise State's policies, plans and mechanisms.

On the State's external activities in 2002 and its tasks in 2003, President Luong said:"In the context of complicated developments in the world, Viet Nam's external activities have been boosted with all countries and international organisations, particularly with neighbouring countries, other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), traditional friends, major countries and industrialised nations."

"All external activities and people-to-people activities aimed at promoting mutual understanding and trust to build a favourable environment for national construction and development; raising the country's role and position on the international arena; constantly broadening economic ties with other countries for the benefit of national industrialisation and modernisation," the President said.

He added:

"Viet Nam's socio-economic achievements were highly appreciated by foreign countries and partners, which have reiterated their willingness to cooperate with and give assistance for Viet Nam's implementation of industrialisation and modernisation, regional and global integration, and its bid to join the World Trade Organisation."

President Luong asked the country to continue to boost external activities qualitatively and quantatively, placing the importance to raising effectiveness of these activities to serve economic development and improving a legal framework for the development of friendship and long-term stable cooperation with various partners."

He called for further efforts in studying and forecasting the situation and taking advantages of all external resources and positive factors for national economic development while maintaining national independence and sovereignty.