14th National Assembly concludes second session

NDO/VNA—The fourteenth National Assembly (NA) wrapped up its second session on the morning of November 23, completing its 26-day agenda, which included a number of important issues.

NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan delivers her speech at the closing of the 14th NA's second session in Hanoi on the morning of November 23. (Credit: NDO)
NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan delivers her speech at the closing of the 14th NA's second session in Hanoi on the morning of November 23. (Credit: NDO)

In her speech, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said deputies straightforwardly discussed and gave opinions on tabled issues, reflecting the viewpoints and aspirations of people across the country.

They reviewed the results of the implementation of the socioeconomic development and State budget plans for 2016, along with economic restructuring between 2011 and 2015.

They expressed their view that the entire Party and people and agencies and authorities at all levels have exerted a great deal of effort and produced a number of important results in realising plans including those for macroeconomic stability, a fair growth rate, controlled inflation and encouraging initial results in the economic restructuring process associated with growth model reform.

With major economic balances been secured, social welfare and security are guaranteed. Diplomatic activities have also yielded positive results, helping to promote Vietnam’s prestige and stature on the international arena, Chairwoman Ngan said.

She noted that the deputies, acting with a high sense of responsibility, pointed out existing shortcomings, such as the slowness of economic restructuring, losses from and the ineffective operation of some projects and high public debt.

Based on those assessments, the NA approved resolutions on the economic restructuring plan for 2016-2020, the five-year financial plan, the medium-term public investment plan for 2016-2020, the socioeconomic development plan for 2017 and State budget estimates and allocation plans for next year.

It adopted three laws and eleven resolutions and gave opinions on fourteen other bills, including the Law on Belief and Religion, the Law on Auctions and the resolution on a pilot programme for issuing e-visas to foreigners.

The top legislator said this was the first time the parliament made decisions about medium-term master plans on finance and investment that also take into account the short and long terms.

After prudent and thorough consideration, the NA also decided to stop the implementation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant project, she added.

During the session, the NA convened the first question-and-answer sessions involving several Cabinet members, during which issues of public concern were explained.

Deputies raised clear, succinct and to-the-point questions, especially pointing out weaknesses and shortcomings, clarifying the State’s responsibilities and solutions to problems in the fields of industry and trade, the environment and natural resources, education and home affairs.

Ministers candidly responded to the queries and laid out measures for action in the near future.

The Prime Minister also elucidated questions concerning issues under his direct responsibility.

The legislature asked ministers to take drastic action to deliver on their commitments before the NA and voters nationwide, thereby meeting the aspirations of the people.

Besides the key agenda, the NA also debuted groups of young female deputies and parliamentarians from friendly countries and launched other important foreign relations activities, the NA Chairwoman noted.

At the final session, NA Secretary General and Chairman of the NA Office Nguyen Hanh Phuc presented a report on acquiring and amending the draft resolution on questions and answers that arose during the second session.

NA Vice Secretary General Le Bo Linh later delivered the draft resolution.

With 95.54% approval, the resolution was adopted.

Under the chairmanship of Permanent NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong, head of the NA’s Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh presented a report on acquiring feedback on the draft resolution on further improving the efficiency of the implementation of the National Target Programme on the Development of New-Style Rural Areas in combination with agricultural restructuring.

Lawmakers later approved the resolution with 95.13% of their vote.