VietNamNet Bridge – Most National Assembly (NA) deputies have blamed unprofessional and inaccurate forecasts for causing a negative impact on the national economy.

They praised the Government’s major solutions to curb inflation which, they said, has enhanced the confidence of people, investors and the business community in the Government’s management and economic stability.

However, they said that the complicated fluctuations of the world economy may drag out further, causing a negative impact on the Vietnamese economy. Therefore, they said the Vietnamese Government’s top priority should still be given to controlling the soaring inflation rate.

Many NA deputies attributed the negative impact of the world economy and natural disasters and epidemics on the Vietnamese economy to bad forecast about the operation of the securities and real estate markets, fluctuations in the prices of input materials and fuels, and rice exports which have caused great losses to farmers and rice exporters as well.

The pointed to the fact that different forecasts make policy-makers feel confused about setting targets and putting forward effective solutions to a particular area.

Deputy Nguyen Huu Tri from southern Tien Giang Province emphasised that as Vietnam is affected by the world economy in the international integration process it must grasp opportunities to minimise risks based on timely and accurate forecast. “It is high time to pay more attention to forecasting in management activities,” he said. “To better do this Vietnam should pour more investment into improving the ability of forecasting agencies at all levels, especially strategic and policy-making agencies. At the same time, it should keep its eye on forecast by international independent agencies.”

Removing difficulties for farmers

Another important issue discussed at the session is agricultural production and rural development.

Deputies Hoang Van Loi from northern Bac Giang Province and Nguyen Thanh Tan from central Ha Tinh Province said that despite bumper crops last year many farmers suffered from losses due to natural disasters and a high rise in fertilizer and animal cooking prices. In addition, solutions for rural development are still inconsistent while the planning of material and product underwriting has not been implemented effectively.

They suggested that the State devise measures to help farmers overcome difficulties to promote production and trading, with priority given to agricultural, forestry and seafood production.

In the afternoon, the NA will discuss the results of the implementation of socio-economic targets, the State Budget for 2008 and socio-economic plans for 2009.

(Source: VOV)