Cabinet convenes meeting amid positive recovery, surge of COVID-19 cases

From left to right: Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, and Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung at the Cabinet meeting, Ha Noi, February 2, 2021. Photo: VGP

During the meeting, the Cabinet members will scrutinize socio-economic performance in January, growth scenario in the first half of 2020, outcomes of the implementation of its action plan on cost reduction for enterprises, and price management directions for 2021.

Economic recovery continued in the first month, with the industrial production expanding 22.2% against the same period last year, mainly fuelled by robust manufacturing (up 27.2%), according to the General Statistics Office.

Total retail sales of goods and services increased by 3.7% and 6.4% against the previous month and the same period last year.

Meanwhile, total trade value was estimated at US$53.9 billion, up 45.2% on year.

Particularly, the Cabinet will hear a report on COVID-19 responses presented by the Ministry of Health as authorities have confirmed 272 community infection cases in nine cities and provinces since January 27.

The latest cases were infected with new strains that are more transmissible, prompting at least 17 localities to close schools to prevent the spread of the virus.

In addition, the Government will also discuss a proposal on law- and ordinance-making for 2022 among other issues.

By Quang Minh