People's lives and social security are improved in a sustainable direction.

In 2023, Vietnam's economic situation will face many difficulties due to the decline in global trade and continued economic and political instability. Most international organizations have adjusted their economic growth forecasts downward. In such conditions, Vietnam will still ensure macroeconomic stability, control inflation, ensure social security, livelihoods, jobs, and life for workers, the poor, and the disadvantaged.

People's lives and social security are improved in the direction of the region, picture 1 — People's lives and social security are improved in a sustainable direction.

According to the survey results of the General Statistics Office, the average income per capita in 2023 is estimated at 4.95 million VND/person/month, an increase of nearly 280,000 VND/person/month, equivalent to an increase of 5.9% compared to the average income in 2022. Thus, the average income of the general population continues to increase, ending the streak of income decline for 2 consecutive years in 2020-2021 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the growth rate of average income in 2023 compared to 2022 will slow down compared to the growth rate of income in 2022, because the global economy as well as the Vietnamese economy continue to face many difficulties and challenges after the pandemic.

The income structure has shifted in a more progressive and sustainable direction as the proportion of income from wages, salaries and other types of wages and salaries in total household income has maintained an upward trend. In addition to the increase in average income, the assessment results of households have remained stable. Specifically: 28.6% of households have increased income; 65.5% of households have unchanged income; 5.9% of households have decreased income and do not know compared to the months of 2022.

Commenting on the factors that help people's lives remain stable and average income increase, Mr. Pham Hoai Nam - Director of the Department of Population and Labor Statistics (General Statistics Office) said: The socio-economic recovery and development program has created new development space, new motivation, new capacity for industries, fields, and localities, contributing to creating jobs for workers; The Government is also determined to control inflation and stabilize the macro economy to help stabilize people's lives.

In addition, a number of policies have had a positive impact on people's lives, notably the policy of increasing the basic salary for cadres, civil servants, public employees and armed forces and reducing VAT, effective from July 1, 2023. In particular, the labor and employment situation has tended to be positive, the average income of workers has increased, leading to a sustained increase in household income.

In addition, social security work has been promptly and practically implemented by all levels from the central to local levels. According to the report of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, as of December 19, 2023, the total value of money and gifts to support the beneficiaries is more than 12.3 trillion VND.

Including: Support for people with meritorious services and relatives of people with meritorious services of nearly 4.9 trillion VND (on the occasion of July 27, nearly 1.65 trillion VND); support for poor and near-poor households of nearly 3 trillion VND; support for social protection beneficiaries according to Decree No. 20/2021/ND-CP of nearly 4.3 trillion VND; support for other sudden, unusual, and outstanding situations arising in the locality of 151.2 billion VND. Notably, more than 27.4 million social insurance books, health insurance cards, and free medical examination and treatment cards were issued and given to beneficiaries.

In addition, to prevent people from going hungry, as of December 22, 2023, the Government has provided a total of 21,600 tons of rice to support 1.4 million people. Of which: 16,900 tons of rice will be provided to support 1.1 million people during the Lunar New Year; 4,600 tons of rice will be provided to support 309,800 people who are hungry during the pre-harvest period.

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on new rural construction also shows that nationwide, 6,064/8,167 communes (74.25%) have met new rural standards; 1,582 communes have met advanced new rural standards; 245 communes have met model new rural standards; the national average has met 16.9 criteria/commune; 268 district-level units in 58 provinces and centrally run cities have completed their tasks/met new rural standards (reaching 41.6% of districts nationwide) and 20 provinces and centrally run cities have 100% of their communes meeting new rural standards.

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