The new government led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will begin its new term with a huge amount of works to drive Vietnam towards achieving socio-economic development goals.

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the ceremony. Photo: Quang Hieu

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the comment at a ceremony held on April 8 to handover prime minister’s functions to the country’s newly-appointed leader of the government Pham Minh Chinh.

Recalling his efforts as prime minister in the past term, Phuc said his government tried its best to fulfil responsibilities entrusted by the Party, State and People. “We relied on unity to overcome challenges and difficulties. Public trust is the biggest reward for all cabinet members.”

“However, there remain various issues to address, including the finalization of legal framework for greater state management efficiency, and dissatisfaction from the people and enterprises in a certain number of aspects,” stated Phuc.

According to Phuc, improvements of the business and investment environment should be prioritized to further encourage innovation and the development of digital economy.

“Strategic infrastructure development, particularly in power supply and urban transportation, and promoting inter-provincial economic linkage are aspects that should get greater attention from the government,” added Phuc.

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Photo: Quang Hieu

Phuc expressed concern over existing shortcomings of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and inefficient management of land resources, investment and construction activities.

While Vietnam has been able to put the Covid-19 pandemic under control, the risk of resurgence remains, Phuc noted, adding the government should mobilize efforts for Covid-19 vaccine development and subsequent vaccination process, along with tightening border control to prevent illegal immigration.

The State President urged local authorities to step up efforts in providing support for enterprises and people affected by the pandemic, while measures are needed to substantially settle bad debts and weak banks in the banking sector.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Photo: Nhat Bac

At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his commitment to continue building an action-based government with integrity, efficiency and responsiveness.

“The government would put the benefits of the Party, State, and People above anything else,” stressed Chinh.

Chinh said during the term 2016-2021 period, former Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other cabinet members achieved key results, including political-social stability, high economic growth, efficient Covid-19 fight and improvement in people’s living standards.

“Maintaining the momentum from the past government is an honor but also a challenge,” stated Chinh.

The National Assembly on April 5 approved a resolution to appoint the country’s new prime minister. Chinh is the ninth leader of the government since 1945. On the same day, Phuc was elected as the State President.