5th NA meeting starts in Hà Nội

(20/05/2009) VGP – Addressing the opening ceremony of the 5th session of the 12th legislature this morning in Hà Nội, NA Chairman Nguyễn Phú Trọng said that, in the global economic turmoil, Việt Nam is also affected, and the country’s production, business, export, investment, job generation and budget collection “face many difficulties.” However, stressed the chief of the legislative body, thanks to great determination and effort of the Party, the State and the entire people, “our economy has gained some positive results.”Financial solutions and stimulus packages initiated by the Government have helped to reverse the economic situation. In the first quarter, GDP grew by 3.1%; macro-economy was stabilized; inflation curbed; balances of trade and payment ensured; many markets and services started to recover.
NA Chairman Nguyễn Phú Trọng stressed that the world economy will see more unpredictable changes which can significantly affect the fulfillment of Việt Nam’s socio-economic targets.
The legislative body will spend three days for reviewing voters’ proposals and for interpellations
During the one-month sitting, NA deputies will discuss and approve 12 bills and give comments to five others
Also at the opening ceremony, Standing Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng presented the Government’s report, focusing on the realization of socio-economic goals in 2008 and the first five months as well as major solutions to proactively prevent economic recession, guarantee macro-economic stability, maintain a sustainable and proper economic growth rate, and ensure social security.
The report points out that, in 2008, Việt Nam successfully reined in inflation, maintained macro-economic stability and positive economic growth rate, and guaranteed social security.
In early 2009, the national economy started to get out of the most devastating period, as seen in numerous bright signs. The industrial production value grew 3.3% per month in the first four months in comparison with the same period of 2008. The GDP increased by 3.1% in the first quarter against the same period. During this time-frame, over 15,000 new enterprises registered their operation, up 22% compared with 2008.
Deputy PM Hùng asserted that, over the past time, the Government has showed its high determination, good sense of responsibility and flexibility in executive work, focusing on the five following aspects:
First, putting into reality packages to stimulate investment and consumption, prevent economic recession and resume growth rate;
Second, promoting business and production activities, expanding both domestic and export markets;
Third, introducing flexible financial, monetary and tax policies in order to guarantee macro-economic stability, kicking up growth and prevent inflation;
Fourth, taking care of people’s life, speeding up poverty alleviation and job generation;
Fifth, closely following the actualities, improving the executive work, and creating a social consensus.
The Government made four proposals to the legislature.
First of all, the major and urgent task in the socio-economic development plan 2009 should be to do utmost to prevent economic recession, maintain economic growth at a proper and sustainable rate, keep firm the macro-economic stability, prevent inflation, and guarantee social security, national defense, political stability and social order. Top priority is given to preventing economic recession.
The Government suggested the NA readjust the GDP growth rate for 2009 down to 5% from 6.5% while raising the budget overspending from 4.82% to around 8%.
Third, the Government also asked for the legislative body’s permission to issue additional governmental bonds worth VND 20,000 billion. It urged the NA to revise some policies on tax, capital construction, and tender.
Finally, the legislature should authorize its Standing Committee and the Government to flexibly apply policies and solutions so as to gain best results.