When negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy have become clearer, and the economic losses have been basically measured, the Government proposed the National Assembly to consider lowering 2020 economic growth targets. According to experts, although the new goals have decreased, it is not easy to achieve them.

 is said that Vietnam is targeting GDP growth of 5 percent this year, exceeding international forecasts, banking on a rapid recovery strategy to overcome pandemic impacts.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister announced the new target at a meeting with business leaders on Saturday May 9, adding that the country will also strive to keep inflation under 4 percent, same as previous years. VNExpress reports.

Leading international organizations have considerably lowered growth forecasts for Vietnam this year. The World Bank estimates a growth of 4.9 percent, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), just 2.7 percent. Vietnam’s GDP growth in the first quarter fell to a 10-year low of 3.82 percent.

The Government has set 17 sustainable development goals to achieve by 2030 in a recently-issued decree.

The aims include no poverty anywhere in any form; zero hunger, food security, nutrition improvements and sustainable agriculture development; good health and better social welfare for everyone; quality, equal and comprehensive education, and promotion of life-long study opportunities for everyone; gender equality; enhanced rights and opportunities for women and girls.

The country also targets sufficient water and latrine systems, sustainable management of water resources; access to sustainable, reliable and affordable energy for everyone; sustainable economic growth; decent work for everyone; resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and innovation; reduced inequality; sustainable and resilient development of urban and rural areas; safe living and working environments; sustainable production and consumption; timely and effective responses to climate change and natural disasters; preservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and sea resources; protection and sustainable development of forest, conservation of biodiversity.

The country will strive for a peaceful, democratic, just, equal, civilised society; build effective institutions with good accountability and promote global partnership towards sustainable development.

The decree outlines tasks and solutions to realise the goals, with focus on completing institutions and policies, enhancing communications, promoting the role of and participation by relevant parties, mobilising and arranging financial resources, and intensifying international co-operation.

Specific measures have also been assigned to ministries and sectors under the decree. — VNS

Source: Vietnamnews