The disbursed public investment declined in July due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, but it still grew 5.6 per cent in the first seven months of 2021 as compared to the same period last year.

The General Statistics Office (GSO) reported that the disbursed capital sourced from the State budget was estimated at VND38.3 trillion (US$1.7 billion) in July, down 1.7 per cent month on month and 12.4 per cent year on year.

The figure between January and July reached VND210.8 trillion, equivalent to 44.3 per cent of this year’s target and up 5.6 per cent from the same period last year.

The sum comprises VND35.2 trillion managed by central agencies and another VND175.6 trillion by localities, respectively rising 12.7 per cent and 4.3 per cent year on year, statistics show.

The COVID-19 resurgence has affected the implementation of public investment projects in 19 southern provinces and cities which are applying social distancing measures under the Prime Minister’s Directive 16/CT-TTg, as well as some others imposing anti-pandemic measures under Directive 15/CT-TTg, the GSO said.

It cited localities as reporting that many projects have been halted or lagged behind schedule, but investors, management boards, and contractors are making efforts and pledge to accelerate project implementation after the social distancing period is over. — VNS