Socialist Republic of Vietnam

National Assembly (NA) deputies Oct. 26 made suggestions on setting up an anti-corruption agency and expanding financial sources for development during the second day of the sixth NA session in Hanoi.

The establishment of a new anti-corruption government agency under NA is essential, according to Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan.

“An anti-corruption body is needed, as although there are government agencies responsible for fighting corruption, the results are not as efficient as expected,” Mr. Khoan said.

Deputy PM Khoan also called on NA deputies to come forward with more ideas about the formation of an efficient body strong enough to lead “the fight” (against corruption.)

“Corruption does not severely affect social policies, but it undermines the people’s confidence in the government,” said Deputy Truong Huu Chi of southern Dong Nai Province.

Currently, he said, investigative agencies are under the management of ministries and sectors, so investigations must first win the approval of a ministry and sector leaders, which is “not the right way to proceed.”

Therefore, he said, it is necessary to set up an anti-corruption agency under NA management.

Meanwhile, according to historian and Deputy Duong Trung Quoc, current income mechanisms have led to widespread corruption.

“The first cause of corruption is because we failed to control income,” Mr. Quoc said. He said the country should enforce regulations on disclosure of government officials’ assets.

“Other countries control their financial transactions and clarify their policies very well, why don’t we do the same?” Mr. Quoc questioned.

If this is done, together with the close supervision of the people and the press, corruption will be curbed, he concluded.

Reforms in planning and banking system to raise development capital

Currently, the country still does not pay enough attention to careful planning, thus wasting tremendous investment resources built up for projects, according to Deputy Mai Quoc Binh from Ho Chi Minh City.

Some works were pulled down just a few years after construction as they were not managed according to plans, Mr. Binh said.

The country should hire consulting firms from other countries like Japan or France to carry out planning for major economic zones and projects, he suggested. If businesses and people feel more secure, more investment capital will be raised, he added.

Also, the government must implement stronger reforms in the country’s banking system, recommended Deputy Dang Ngoc Tung, vice chairman of the Vietnamese General Labor Federation.

“Banks have not provided good services for production, trading or building up financial resources,” he commented.

Meanwhile, other deputies said when capital sources are available, it is necessary to ensure efficient investment to avoid great losses.

“The NA and provincial People’s Councils must tighten control and inspect investment projects to prevent inefficient investment,” said Deputy Huynh Thanh Lap from Ho Chi Minh City. “At present, each province only wants investments to be approved, they do not want investment projects to be controlled or listed,” he added.

Mr. Lap called for amendments on state regulations of tenders and purchases of state assets. He also proposed to the NA that it soon permit the people to supervise construction and implementation of investment projects and public works.

On Oct. 27, the NA continues to debate on the country’s financial and budget situation.

Reported by Manh Quan and Tuyet Nhung – Translated by Hieu Trung.
Story from Thanh Nien News
Published: 27 October, 2004, 02:10:47 (GMT+7)
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