He advised authorities in Hanoi to maintain production, stimulate investment and consumption while paying due attention to infrastructure development.

Given its advantages and strengths, Hanoi should set a good example for other localities nationwide, the Prime Minister said.

He stressed that the capital city should be proactive in ensuring its plans are suitable for the current situation.

The government will gladly consider and approve proposals made by the city for mechanisms or policies needed to speed up essential projects, Dung said.

Earlier at the conference, the premier and Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung listened to the municipal People’s Committee Chairman Nguyen The Thao report on the achievements made and problems faced by Hanoi this year.

Thao asked for the government’s assistance to solve problems in construction planning, traffic and personnel management for the 2009- 2010 period.

Hung said Hanoi could do better in increasing its competitiveness and should take the lead in curbing inflation as well as preventing a recession.

Reported by Thai Uyen