Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed Ho Chi Minh City to strive to fulfill the goal of gaining an economic growth of 7.5-8% this year.

He made the request while chairing a meeting held on August 10 to review the city’s socio-economic development and the implementation of Resolution No. 98 of the National Assembly on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City (Resolution 98).

PM Chinh asked the city to strongly promote its role as a economic locomotive of the country and take measures to boost economic growth, investment and consumption; effectively manage and use public investment capital, tackle difficulties and obstacles for businesses and people, improve business and investment environment and facilitate startup and innovation.

The city was required to pioneer in digital transformation, smart city development, green growth, circular economy and knowledge-based economy.

Ho Chi Minh City posted a GRDP growth of 6.46% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year.

Total retail sale of consumer goods reached VND661 trillion ($26.12 billion), up 10.3% year-on-year.

The city attracted $1.54 billion in FDI during the six-month period.