PM hosts New Year's banquet for diplomatic corps

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a New Year’s banquet in Hanoi on January 23, with the participation of foreign ministry officials and representatives from foreign embassies in Vietnam.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) clinks glasses with international guests. (Credit: VGP)

Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister noted the socio-economic progress Vietnam made last year.

According to PM Phuc, in 2016, the country began implementing its socio-development plan for 2016-2020.

Despite difficulties, including damage from natural disasters, the economy grew 6.21%, compared to global average growth of 3%. As many as 1.6 million new jobs were also created.

Vietnam also kept inflation under 5% and total export revenues hit US$176 billion, up nearly 9% annually.

More than 110,000 companies were established, with total registered capital of almost VND900 billion (US$39.6 million), the highest figure ever recorded. Vietnam attracted US$15.9 billion in foreign direct investment, a year-on-year increase of 9%.

Vietnam also welcomed 24 head of States and 10 million foreign tourists.

In his speech, Phuc thanked Vietnam’s partner countries and foreign sponsors and friends for supporting the country.

He said the World Economic Forum 2017 forecast that this year would see a global recovery with opportunities offered by the fourth industrial revolution and challenges from protectionism, terrorism and climate change.

All countries must join hands to sustain peace, stability and cooperation in line with the UN charter and international law, he stressed.

The Prime Minister noted that Vietnam is committed to working closely with ASEAN member states to build a strong and dynamic community, adding that ASEAN will celebrate its 50th founding anniversary in 2017.

As host of APEC Year 2017 Vietnam welcomes the participation of foreign friends for increased economic connectivity in the region, he said.

On behalf of participating diplomatic corps, Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Jorge Rondón Uzcátegui thanked the Vietnamese Government for the banquet.

Vietnam recorded significant achievements last year and proved its commitments to global peace and integration, the diplomat said.

He said the diplomatic corps wanted to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam on bilateral and multilateral diplomatic policies.

(Source: NDO)