The conference was presided over by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and Deputy PMs Nguyen Tan Dung and Pham Gia Khiem. It was attended by cabinet members, Chairmen of the People's Councils and People's Committees of 64 provinces and cities across the country and representatives of central agencies.

During the first working day, the conference heard cabinet members' reports on the implementation of the Government's resolution on measures to implement the 2005 socio-economic plan and State budget; the draft of the Government's resolution on measures to implement the socio-economic plan and State budget for 2006; raising the effectiveness of investment and preventing wastefulness in infrastructure construction; and renewing investment and financial mechanisms. They also presented reports on Viet Nam's process for joining the World Trade Organisation, the Government's action plan to practise thrift and fight wastefulness and the Government's action plan against corruption.

PM Khai spoke about the country's encouraging achievements in socio-economic development this year.

He said that in the 2006-2010 period, the country should try its utmost for the target of an annual economic growth rate of 8 percent or more. The Government and all localities should join efforts to obtain the target and mobilise all capital resources to expand development investment and resolutely fight wastefulness and corruption in infrastructure construction, Khai said. In the next five years, the country needs to mobilise 120 billion USD of investment capital, he noted.

PM Khai asked participants to offer suggestions for better policies to attract domestic and foreign investment.

He said that in 2006, the Government has to submit to the National Assembly 62 draft laws and ordinances and pass 300 decrees.

To effectively integrate in the international economy, Viet Nam has to improve the competitiveness of products, branches, localities and the whole country, Khai said.

On the socialization of education, healthcare, culture and physical training and sports, the government will focus efforts on providing better services for the poor and poor localities. The PM also asked participants to focus on two key matters - to continue promoting administrative reform, and to implement the Law on Fighting Corruption and the Law on Thrift and Fighting Wastefulness.

The conference will continue till Dec. 30./.