Online conference between the Government and local authorities reviews first-half performance and sets key priorities for the second half of 2025

Attending the conference at the Son La provincial hub were Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Son La Nguyen Dinh Viet; Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council Nguyen Thai Hung; Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Le Hong Minh; Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Dang Ngọc Hau; along with leaders of provincial departments and agencies. The conference was connected online from the Government Headquarters to 34 provinces and centrally-run cities, and more than 3,300 communes, wards, and special zones nationwide.

The Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee and the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council attended the conference at the Son La provincial hub.

In the first half of the year, Vietnam’s economy recorded its highest growth rate in nearly two decades. Numerous indicators related to production, business performance, and state budget revenue showed consistent monthly and quarterly improvement. Macroeconomic stability was maintained, inflation remained under control, and major economic balances were ensured. GDP growth in the second quarter was estimated at 7.67% year-on-year, bringing the six-month growth rate to 7.31%. By sector, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries increased by 3.85%; industry and construction by 8.18%; and services by 7.83%. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3.27% year-on-year in the first half. Social welfare policies, support for people with meritorious services, vulnerable groups, and poverty reduction programs were implemented effectively, comprehensively, and promptly, with several innovations. Living standards for citizens and workers continued to improve. Across the country, nearly 263,000 temporary and dilapidated houses were repaired or replaced, reaching 94.7% of the target. The labor market also saw positive results, with the unemployment rate and underemployment rate for the first six months declining to 2.22% and 1.72%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

The Government has issued 28 decrees on decentralization and delegation of authority, along with hundreds of guiding documents. Training conferences at the commune level were organized, and hotlines were established to promptly address difficulties and concerns. Following the administrative restructuring, the country now has 34 provinces and centrally-run cities, and 3,321 commune-level administrative units. As a result, provincial-level staffing was reduced by approximately 18,500 positions, and commune-level staffing by about 110,800 positions. More than 120,000 part-time personnel were relieved from their duties. For the 2026–2030 period, the restructuring is expected to save around VND 190.5 trillion in state budget expenditures, not including various indirect cost savings.

At the conference, representatives from communes, wards, and special zones shared both the advantages and challenges encountered in the implementation and operation of the two-tier local government system. Representatives from ministries and sectors also presented measures and solutions aimed at achieving 8% economic growth this year and double-digit growth in the years to come.

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that achieving the targeted growth requires leveraging resources rooted in innovative thinking and the strength of the people, with unwavering determination in the face of challenges. He called for clear task assignments based on the “six clarities” principle and the smooth, coordinated, and efficient operation of the two-tier local government system. He stressed the need for timely implementation of policies, adequate provision of facilities and human resources—especially in health and education—and the integration of 100% of administrative records into the National Public Service Portal. Regarding U.S. countervailing tax policies, he urged proactive and flexible responses that aim to improve productivity, quality, and the competitiveness of the Vietnamese economy. The Prime Minister also directed a focus on mobilizing all available resources, reinforcing the responsibility of leadership, and ensuring that no ongoing projects are disrupted. He stressed the need to effectively implement national target programs and social welfare initiatives, mobilize maximum total social investment, and accelerate public investment disbursement to achieve 100% disbursement by December 31, 2025. In addition, he called for strong implementation of social welfare policies, with the goal of eliminating all temporary and dilapidated housing for people with meritorious services by July 27 and nationwide by August 31. He also urged the completion of over 100,000 units of social housing within 2025, exceeding set targets.

Le Hong

Translated by Huyen Vu