At the regular Government meeting in April 2026 held on the afternoon of May 4, Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan raised some outstanding issues on the socio-economic situation in the first 4 months of the year; proposed that the Government direct ministries, branches, and localities to focus on implementing key solutions.
According to reports, social security is guaranteed, foreign affairs activities are effectively implemented, especially high-level diplomacy. However, growth in many industries and fields has not yet reached the scenario according to the double-digit growth requirement.
Minister Ngo Van Tuan raised some outstanding issues that need attention.
Regarding inflation, the CPI index in April increased by 5.46% compared to the same period, higher than March (4.65%), due to the impact of cost pushes from gasoline and oil prices, chain reactions to the prices of transportation, food, and construction materials...
In April, the Government continued to direct the reduction of taxes on gasoline and oil to 0%. Thanks to that, through 8 adjustments, gasoline and oil prices decreased by 3-20.5% (oil prices decreased by 20.5%) compared to the end of March, at a low level compared to the region. However, due to high world prices (average in April over 110 USD/barrel), domestic prices still increased compared to the same period.
According to Minister Ngo Van Tuan, inflationary pressure in the coming time needs to be closely monitored. Because world gasoline and oil prices have not shown signs of decreasing, electricity prices have increased due to the hot peak season, and medical and educational service prices have been adjusted according to the roadmap.
The Ministry of Finance proposed that the Government direct a number of contents, accordingly, the Ministry of Industry and Trade ensure sufficient supply of gasoline and oil at competitive prices; ensure sufficient electricity in the hot season to serve the double-digit growth target; effectively implement the advance payment from the state budget to the gasoline and oil price stabilization fund.
The Ministry of Construction before May 10, 2026, will have specific instructions on contract adjustments in the context of strong fluctuations in construction material prices. Localities complete the planning of mines in the second quarter of 2026 to ensure sufficient raw materials for investment projects; strengthen price management in the area.
International visitors in 4 months reached nearly 8.8 million people, an increase of 14.6% compared to the same period, equal to 35.2% of the target for the whole year (25 million people).
Therefore, the Ministry of Finance proposes that the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, and localities should focus on attracting international and domestic tourists, and effectively exploit the summer tourism season of 2026; develop tourism according to the value chain.
Strengthen the prevention and control of smuggling, counterfeit goods, origin fraud, violations of food safety and hygiene, intellectual property...
Regarding investment activities, total social investment capital in the first quarter of 2026 (at current prices) reached 744.7 trillion VND, an increase of 10.7% compared to the same period, higher than the growth rate of the first quarter of 2025 (9.4%). However, by the end of April, there were still 46.2 trillion VND of the 2026 capital plan of 14 ministries, agencies and 17 localities that had not been allocated in detail.
For private investment, the total capital of enterprises registered to supplement the economy increased by 4.24% compared to the same period, of which the additional registered capital of operating enterprises decreased by 16.8%.
It is necessary to focus on supporting businesses to complete investment procedures and soon put registered projects into implementation," Minister Ngo Van Tuan emphasized.
