Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked ministries and agencies to urgently complete their demand stimulus policies for implementation this month.

PM Dung made this request during a meeting in Hanoi on February 18 to discuss measures to accelerate investment and exports activities and formulate policies to give stronger support to the unemployed.

The government leader entrusted the Ministries of Finance, Industry and Trade, and Agriculture and Rural Development with reviewing taxes on businesses’ material purchase in order to maintain production and ensure continued employment for Vietnam’s workforce.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) was urged to implement a loosened yet effective monetary policy to give a kick to demand.

SBV should co-ordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to provide more people with preferential loan interest rates and guarantee loans for small- and medium-sized enterprises, particularly household businesses and craft villages, to help them maintain production levels, Dung said. 

The Prime Minister also directed ministries and local authorities to make effective use of previously allocated capital sources from the State budget and government bonds, with priority being given to the agricultural and transport sectors.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment was asked to review the laws and policies that govern ODA sources, while the Ministry of Finance is to propose a mechanism to effectively manage State-owned groups’ and corporations’ capital.     

PM Dung agreed to increase financial support for the nation’s export markets, particularly garment, footwear and seafood exporters.

He suggested that ministries and agencies implement policies to extend soft loans to firms to cover the payment of salaries and unemployment insurance, while providing the unemployed with vocational training and opportunities to work abroad. (VNA)