Sixth session of 11th National Assembly opens
The 11th National Assembly opened its sixth session in Hanoi on Monday under the chairmanship of Chairman Nguyen Van An.
In his opening speech, Chairman An affirmed Vietnam's socio-economic achievements in the past nine months. He said, in spite of difficulties and challenges, the country registered a GDP growth rate of 7.4% as compared to an estimated 7.6% for the whole year. Poverty reduction has seen remarkable progress and stability has been maintained in the political system, national defence and social security, he added.
The NA Chairman praised the recent organisation of the fifth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 5), saying the success of the summit helped raise Vietnam's position in the international arena.
He called for efforts in overcoming weaknesses, including unstable GDP growth, high consumer index (8.6%), slow disbursement of investment capital, poor State management in some domains, and increases in crime, social evils and traffic accidents.
At this session, the NA will examine and decide the following three issues:
- Assessing the implementation of the NA Resolution on socio-economic tasks and State budget for 2004; socio-economic orientation and tasks, and State budget estimation and allocation for 2005;
- Adopting six draft laws, which was commented by NA deputies at the fifth session;
- Examining working reports presented by the NA Standing Committee, the Council of Ethnic Minorities and other NA Committees, the Chief Judge of the Supreme People's Court and the Head of the Supreme People's Procuracy and the Government.
The NA will hear reports on the settlement of voters' petitions and hold Q&A sessions between cabinet members and NA deputies. It is expected to make decisions on the Ho Chi Minh Highway master plan and other major issues.
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai delivered a Government report at the opening session. (VNA)
