Prime Minister: We will consider raising salaries sooner.

The government plans to increase the basic salary from July 1, 2026, but many have suggested an earlier increase. Therefore, the government will consider balancing the options and seek opinions from relevant authorities to increase the salary sooner.

During the final 40 minutes of the discussion session at the 10th meeting of the 15th National Assembly on the afternoon of October 30th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh provided clearer information on many major issues raised by National Assembly deputies regarding important socio -economic matters, the budget, public investment, and more.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh

PHOTO: GIA HAN

Expressing his "deep emotion" after two days of listening to the responsible contributions of the delegates, the head of the government also reiterated the collective efforts of the entire system in a context where difficulties and challenges outweigh opportunities and advantages. The economy is strong enough to withstand external shocks, maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation, and promote growth.

"Never before have we invested so much in strengthening our national defense and security capabilities as in this term," the Prime Minister said, adding that this enabled the parades commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 80th anniversary of National Day. And especially, the exhibition of weapons bearing Vietnamese brands.

In particular, the nearly 1.1 trillion VND spent on social welfare during the Covid-19 pandemic for 68 million people, equivalent to 17% of GDP, is a highly commendable achievement in such a challenging context.

Referring to the difficulties, obstacles, and shortcomings raised by the delegates, the Prime Minister stated that "the Government also recognizes them" and must come up with appropriate, feasible solutions, ensuring the necessary resources for implementation.

The Prime Minister cited the example of scattered investments and many projects that were delayed and not completed on schedule. For instance, a series of energy projects worth several billion USD, even 10 billion USD, such as the Block B gas project, the Song Hau 1 project, Thai Binh 2, Nghi Son..., had to be restructured to reach their current state.

The slow disbursement of public investment capital is also a concern. During this term, we invested 3.4 trillion VND in public investment, a 55% increase compared to the previous term. According to the Prime Minister, although the initial question of "where will the money come from?" is very difficult, we have managed to secure funds to build expressways in the Mekong Delta and the northern mountainous region. At the same time, we have invested in expanding seaports and airports, and are preparing for investment in the North-South high-speed railway...

There is sufficient basis for double-digit growth.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the expenditure budget must be appropriate: spending on personnel and the administrative apparatus; adequate spending on national defense to ensure social order and safety; and ensuring social welfare, especially in unexpected situations such as epidemics, natural disasters, and floods... Therefore, it is crucial that revenue is sufficient to cover expenditures; if revenue is insufficient, there will be a shortfall, imbalance, and a significant budget deficit.

"Accurate budget forecasting is essential, but the priority must be to ensure that revenue covers expenditure. Increased revenue must be used effectively," the Prime Minister emphasized, adding that we have increased revenue and reduced expenditure very effectively.

Affirming that all increases in revenue and reductions in expenditure were approved by the National Assembly, the head of the government stated that these actions were all on the right track, focusing on human resources. Thanks to this, they were able to retain 70% of the increased revenue to raise salaries as stipulated in Resolution 27, something the previous term failed to achieve.

The government plans to increase salaries from July 1, 2026, but many delegates have suggested an earlier increase. "We will consider the balance and seek opinions from competent authorities, including the National Assembly, to increase salaries sooner," the Prime Minister emphasized.

To achieve the two strategic goals for the 100-year period, steady growth is not possible; breakthrough development is necessary. However, achieving a 10% breakthrough, according to the Prime Minister, is "very difficult, very challenging, but still must be done."

"The IMF and World Bank interviewed me about whether this goal is feasible in these headwinds. I said we have a basis in the strength of our nation with six pillars. We develop and grow based on three factors: people, nature, and historical and cultural traditions," the Prime Minister emphasized.

In this context, human beings must be improved in terms of morality, intellect, and physical health. Regarding nature, the land has already been exploited; we must reach out to the open sea and into space, as we have done through satellites like Vinasat 1 and Vinasat 2...

"Mastering science, technology, and innovation is essential for us to soar high and reach far. Good macroeconomic policies are also a driving force for growth...", the Prime Minister analyzed, adding that although it is very difficult, there is sufficient basis to achieve double-digit growth in the coming period.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thu-tuong-se-xem-xet-tang-luong-som-hon-185251030164958531.htm