The Government considered the report on the implementation of the 2002 plan and the 2003 socio-economic development plan; the report on the 2001 State budget final settlement, the execution of the 2002 State budget task, and the 2003 State budget estimation.

In 2002, the economy still maintains its growth rate. The GDP growth rate is around 6.9-7%. The major socio-economic development targets are predicted to have basically been attained. Budget revenues are estimated to increase around 8.7% over 2001; budget deficit is kept at a permissible rate.

The 2003 plan should focus on the achievement of the following major objectives:

+ To continue maintaining the high-speed and sustainable economic development capability; to make vigorous changes in economic structure, labor structure and investment structure in order to raise the efficiency and competitiveness of the economy;

+ To mobilize all resources, to efficiently manage and use investment capital, to reduce production costs so as to make a breakthrough in development quality;

+ To efficiently realize the international economic integration commitments and schedule; to step up export and, at the same time to well take up domestic market;

+ To raise the education and training quality; to step up the application of scientific and technological achievements to socio-economic activities; to continue eliminating hunger, alleviating poverty and improving people�s living conditions; to settle burning social issues; and maintain security, order and social safety.

It considered the additional report on Son La hydro-electric power project. The Government agreed with the Son La hydro-electric power project State Appraisal Council�s proposal to select the 3-phase option in the planning on phased exploitation of Da river hydro-electric power, with the regular water-raising level of Son La hydro-electric power project (Pa Vinh section) of 215 m. Regarding the general planning on Son La hydro-electric power project population relocation and resettlement, it is necessary to combine the planning on localities, where people will move to, with the planning on production, economic restructuring and infrastructure construction, thus ensuring a better life for the people.

It considered the Government�s draft decrees on the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structures of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Committee for Population, Family and Children.

It considered the report on the socio-economic situation in September and the first 9 months of 2002.- (Summary)