PM encourages preparations for safe, prosperous Lunar New Year   A towel production line at Ha Dong Garment Joint Stocks Company in Dong Van 2 Industrial Zone, Ha Nam Province. The Prime Minister called on production to match the surge in demand ahead of the Tet holiday. - VNA/VNS Photo Vu Sinh HA NOI - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung requested ministries and all-level authorities to gear up to provide a happy Tet (Lunar New Year) festival for all people at the Government's monthly meeting yesterday. The meeting took place with little more than one week left until Tet. The Cabinet leader asked that the supply of goods be balanced with the extra demand, that goods be high quality with stable prices, that food hygiene and safety ensured, and that the drastic fight against smuggling and counterfeits strengthened. He instructed the relevant authorities to pay special attention to low-income earners, rural residents, and social policy beneficiaries – so as to give all people a happy Tet. While the transport sector has to ensure sufficient vehicles to meet the surging travel demand before and after Tet, public security forces must be ready to safeguard political security, and social order and safety, and strictly deal with the storage, transportation and use of firecrackers during the festival. The police were also ordered to step up fire and explosion prevention and ensure traffic safety. Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang cited preliminary data that by December 31, 2015, 48 of the 63 provinces and centrally-run cities had designed measures to help companies ensure goods supplies for Tet. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning and Investment confirmed that ministries, sectors and localities were working hard to prepare for the year's biggest festival. At the meeting, PM Dung urged special heed be given to the treatment of the consequences of the recent severe cold spell by helping farmers resume agricultural activities. Ministries, sectors and localities were also asked to keep control of inflation and prices, consolidate macro-economic stability, continue seeking export markets while containing the trade deficit, and support businesses in expanding operations. He also asked them to be more active in international economic integration and optimise opportunities provided by free trade agreements, particularly the new-generation accords that Viet Nam has signed with big partners. Also at the function, the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that in January, the Consumer Price Index remained unchanged compared to the previous month, while industrial and agricultural production and services continued developing. Export revenue rose, which helped reduce the trade deficit. Viet Nam also recorded growth in FDI attraction and disbursement, as well as the disbursed sum of ODA and preferential loans. The ministry also highlighted the absolute safety guaranteed during the 12th National Party Congress. - VNS