Hanoi (VNA) – Minister and Chairman of theGovernment Office Mai Tien Dung updated socio-economic performance for Novemberand 11 months of this year that was discussed at the Government’s November meetingin Hanoi on December 2.

During a press conference held the same day following themeeting, Dung said the Government asked ministries and agencies to fulfill targetsbefore the end of this year, and gave specific directions to stabilise porkprices, curb African swine fever, remove yellow card warning on Vietnameseaquatic products, step up capital allocation under the public investment plan, anddisburse capital for key projects in electricity and transportation sectors.

A report by the Ministry of Planning and Investment showedthat socio-economic situation for November and 11 months of this year continuedprogressing. Industrial production index went up 9.3 percent whilemanufacturing and processing rose by 10.6 percent.

In November, the total retail of goods and servicesincreased by 12.6 percent, the highest in six years. Foreign tourist arrivalsneared 16.3 million, up 15.4 percent year-on-year.

Consumer price index (CPI) in the month moved up 0.96percent month-on-month due to rising pork and processed food prices. However,the 11-month CPI only rose by 2.57 percent, the lowest in the recent threeyears.

The November CPI inched up 3.78 percent from December 2018and 3.52 percent annually.

Trade surplus hit 9.1 billion USD. Up to 30 commoditiesearned over 1 billion USD from exports and five others raked in more than 10billion USD.

The total foreign direct investment reached 17.6 billionUSD. There were 126,700 newly-established enterprises nationwide and 36,900others resumed their operation, up 15.7 percent year-on-year.

Minister Dung also admitted shortcomings during 11 monthssuch as high pork prices due to African swine fever, falling exports of farmproduce, slow disbursement of public investment, and social, environment andsecurity issues./.