Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his wife gave a banquet in honour of the Diplomatic Corps on September 1 on the occasion of Vietnam’s 63rd National Day (September 2).

Addressing the banquet, the prime minister spoke of Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to implement its 2006-2010 socio-economic development plan.

Vietnam has set a goal of bringing the country out of the underdevelopment status, laying the foundation for becoming a modernised industrial country in 2020, he said

Apart from great achievements and advantages, Vietnam is facing certain difficulties in economic growth due to negative effects of the world’s downturn as well as its own weaknesses, Mr Dung added.

Vietnam is going ahead with the Government’s eight measures to control inflation, maintain stability and development and ensure social welfare, he said.

He appreciated the cooperation with and assistance to Vietnam from other countries in the region and the world at large, from various international organisations, saying this has effectively contributed to helping Vietnam overcome difficulties.

The prime minister took the occasion to express thanks to governments and people of countries worldwide, diplomats and representatives from international organisations for their support to and effective cooperation with Vietnam over the past years.

On behalf of the guests, Argentinean Ambassador Tomas Ferrari, head of Diplomatic Corps in Hanoi, praised the Vietnamese government and people’s efforts in building the country, especially its integration into the world economy. The international community has pledged to continue with support for Vietnam’s renewal, he stressed. (VNA)

The attendants enjoyed special art performances featuring songs and dances about the land

and people of fraternal Vietnam and Laos. This is the first in a series of shows given by the Vietnamese art troupe during its prolonged tour of the neighbouring country.