HÀ NỘI — The third session of the 14th National Assembly began this morning with a major focus on scrutinising, discussing and voting on 13 bills and five draft resolutions. 

Speaking at the opening of the session, NA Chairman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân stressed that the meeting was taking place against the backdrop of the world and the country facing many changes, with both conveniences and challenges ahead.

Over time, under the leadership of the Party and efforts of the people and the State authority system, socio-economic development in the country has continuously achieved remarkable positive results, Ngân said.

National economy is essentially stable, with economic growth continuing to recover; production of agriculture, forestry, fishery and industry continuing to develop; tourism also rapidly growing and investment environment increasingly improving, according to the NA Chairwoman.

Ngân added that education and training, science and technology, social culture and healthcare were also moving ahead in a positive direction.

Social security was guaranteed and national defence and security have strengthened, even as Việt Nam has gained progressive results in regional and international diplomatic intergration, Ngân said.

Thanks to these achievements, the top legislator stressed that Việt Nam’s place on the world stage has consistently moved up in the last several years.

However, Ngân pointed out a variety of challenges that the country would face in areas such as environmental protection, natural resources exploitation, land management and food security.

The NA Chairwoman cited anti-corruption as among the most serious issues that NA deputies and voters were concerned.

She called on the Party, people and army to strengthen solidarity to overcome challenges to fulfilling 2017’s socio-economic development missions. 

Also present at the meeting was permanent Deputy PM Trương Hoa Bình, who with the authority of the Prime Minister, reported on additional evaluation of socio-economic development and budget plan in 2016 and outcomes of the 2017 socio-economic development and budget plan.

President of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, meanwhile, reported citizens’ recommendations to the third session.

According to Lê Bộ Lĩnh, deputy general secretary of the NA, the deputies will consider and approve five resolutions and 13 laws, including the Railway Law (revised); Law on Foreign Trade Management; Law on Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives and Supporting Tools; and Law on Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; as well as Law on Management and Use of State Assets (revised); Law on Irrigation; Law on Technology Transfer (revised); Law on State Liabilities for Compensation (revised); Law on Tourism (revised); and Law on Legal Assistance (revised).

The legislature will also debate amendments to the Law on Public Debt Management, Law on Forest Protection and Development, Fisheries Law, and Law on Denunciations.

Further, for three days Cabinet members will answer queries from NA deputies. 

The session is scheduled to last until June 21. — VNS