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At the monthly government meeting in Hanoi on November 3, the PM acknowledged efforts of ministers and heads of sectors to meet the expectations of the NA, voters and the public during the question and answer session at the 14th legislature’s sixth session. 

Reviewing the ten-month and October socio-economic performance, he said amid the complicated developments in the world, many countries and international organisations acknowledge Vietnam’s stature, achievements and development potentials, giving Vietnam chances to seek and expand greater markets. 

In the past ten months, the macro-economy remained stable with the consumer price index growth at 3.6 percent. Export value was equivalent to the 2017 total with nearly 200 billion USD, up over 14 percent. Trade surplus reached 6.4 billion USD. 

There were about 110,000 newly-registered businesses nationwide, which brought the country closer to the goal of having 130,000 new firms this year, while total goods retail revenue increased by 11.4 percent. The number of foreign tourist arrivals grew by 22.4 percent. 

Pointing to outstanding shortcomings of the economy, PM Phuc said the country had dropped in the ranking of business environment. He asked ministries and agencies to improve readiness for the fourth industrial revolution by taking specific measures, otherwise the country will lag behind. 

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and major cities should take more drastic actions to develop business and production, he said. 

The leader also expressed concern about social order and safety in some localities, and instructed drastic measures to be taken to fight crime. 

Just before the meeting, the PM granted the President’s decision on the appointment of Minister of Information and Communications to Nguyen Manh Hung. 

Earlier on July 25, the PM signed Decision No.900/QD-TTg on assigning the position of Minister of Information and Communications to Maj. Gen Nguyen Manh Hung, member of the Party Central Committee, President and Chairman of the military-run telecom provider Viettel.