Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed that progress continued to be made in almost all socio-economic aspects over the first ten months of 2015 while chairing the Government’s monthly meeting in Hanoi on October 29. The Cabinet members shared the view that Vietnam’s economy continued recovering considerably during the period as evidenced through stable macro-economy, slow inflation pace – estimated at around 2 percent for the whole year, fair credit growth, bad debt declining to under 3 percent which fulfilled this year’s target, increased aggregate demand and purchase power, strongly improved business climate, soared industrial production, and higher foreign tourist number. From January to October, implemented foreign direct investment (FDI) capital reached 11.8 billion USD, a year-on-year rise of 16.3 percent, while registered FDI approximated 19.3 billion USD. Jobs were provided for more than 1.36 million people, representing 85 percent of the annual plan and a 3.5 percent rise from a year before. Support policies designed for low-income earners, ethnic minorities and rural residents were implemented effectively. Political security and social order and safety were ensured while diplomatic activities and international integration efforts achieved approving outcomes, the officials said. PM Nguyen Tan Dung urged for maximising endeavours to fulfill the set goals in the last two months of 2015, particularly the target GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent, creating a stepping stone for further development in the time ahead. He asked relevant ministries and sectors to continue closely monitoring and actively responding to domestic and international developments while enhancing their coordination in steering the macro-economy. Keeping macro-economic stability, improving the business environment, promoting competitiveness and providing optimal conditions for people and enterprises must be in focus. He also ordered better implementation of policies targeting national devotees and social policy beneficiaries along with measures on educational, healthcare, cultural, social and environmental development, natural disaster prevention and climate change response. Ministries and sectors were demanded to foster the safeguarding of defence, security and national sovereignty as well as external relations and international integration activities. Solutions to traffic safety and social order and safety and crime prevention must be carried out synchronously, the leader added. At the meeting, the Cabinet members agreed on the poverty line proposed by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs for the 2016 – 2020 period. Accordingly, those living in rural areas with monthly per capita income of 700,000 VND (31.36 USD) or less are identified as low-income people. The level applied for urban residents is 900,000 VND (40.32 USD). Other matters also discussed at the function included the 2015 budget balance, the increase of minimum wage for officials and public servants and challenges facing the agriculture sector.-VNA