A forum took place in Can Tho city on September 24 to discuss Vietnam’s socio-economic situation during the first nine months of the year and assess the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the national economy. 

Pham Dinh Toan, vice chairman of the NA Office, addresses the event. (Photo: VNA)

The forum, jointly held by the National Assembly Office and the NA Economic Committee, with technical assistance from Germany’s Hanns Seidel Foundation, attracted the participation of leaders from relevant ministries, NA deputies, economists, researchers, and representatives from various associations and businesses.

Pham Dinh Toan, vice chairman of the NA Office, said the event aims to look at the opportunities and challenges to fulfill Vietnam’s dual goal of COVID-19 prevention and economic recovery, while examining prospects for the country’s socio-economic development through digital platforms.

Toan also emphasised that the forum provides an ideal venue in which NA deputies can exchange views with economists, scientists, managers, and representatives from the business community on issues related to the country’s socio-economic development.

Nguyen Xuan Thanh, senior lecturer at Fulbright University Vietnam, noted that global economies have experienced a downturn with negative growth during the initial two quarters of the year due to the adverse impact of COVID-19.

Most notably, the Vietnamese economy is one of the few to have witnessed a positive growth, expanding 3.8% and 0.4% during the first and second quarters, respectively. A positive growth is anticipated to be recorded throughout the year, Thanh noted.

The two-day event also focuses on the development of the country’s social and cultural fields on a digital basis.