National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân hosted a reception in Hà Nội yesterday for a delegation from the Parliamentary Network, the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund led by Parliamentary Network’s Vice President Soukri Cherif. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Điệp

HÀ NỘI – National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân hosted a reception in Hà Nội yesterday for a delegation from the Parliamentary Network, the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund led by Parliamentary Network’s Vice President Soukri Cherif.

Expressing her delight at the co-operation between Việt Nam and the WB, the top legislator said Việt Nam needs the support of the international community, including the bank, to fulfill its goals.

She affirmed that the NA of Việt Nam will closely supervise the use of WB assistance, ensuring it is used effectively to bring added value to local socio-economic development.

She also lauded the co-operation and support the WB has given to NA agencies, which she said helped improve the legislature’s supervision over finance, budget and economy.

She praised the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the WB and the NA Finance and Budget Committee in 2017, which aimed to enhance the committee’s capacity in monitoring financial and budgetary issues.

Over the years, the WB has also consulted Việt Nam on important issues, she added.

Ngân proposed the WB continue aiding Việt Nam in building and completing a legal framework to stabilise the macro economy, promote growth, develop human resources and ensure social harmony and sustainable use of natural resources.

She asked for the WB’s assistance for major infrastructure, human resources development and climate change response projects.

She also called for support from the Parliamentary Network’s members for the activities of the WB and IMF in Việt Nam.

Hailing the Parliamentary Network as a bridge to enhance co-operation among parliaments, Ngân stressed that the Vietnamese NA is ready to make active contributions to the network.

The host talked with the network’s parliamentarians about gender equality, job creation, changes to tax policy once the WB cuts investment assistance, population aging, public debt limits, the legislature’s role in budget allocation, climate change response, the NA’s supervisory role and relations between the lawmaking body and the Government.

According to her, the rate of Vietnamese female lawmakers is 26.7 per cent, still below the targeted 30 per cent.

Vice President of the Parliamentary Network Soukri Cherif and WB Country Director in Việt Nam Ousmane Dione thanked NA Chairwoman Ngân for the practical discussions.

Dione said the working trip is part of co-operation programmes between the WB, IMF and member nations, adding that the discussions will be reflected in the next agenda.

The delegation comprises parliamentarians from Australia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Latvia, Morocco, Myanmar, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda and Ukraine.

The delegation will visit on-going projects in Việt Nam and meet with leaders of State agencies and representatives from the private sector during the four-day trip.

Founded in 2000 with the engagement of parliamentarians from over 140 countries, the Parliamentary Network seeks to engage lawmakers from around the globe in the common mission of addressing good governance and poverty challenges. — VNS