National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The immediate and long-term tasks of the country and the National Assembly (NA) require the legislative body to continue reforms to enhance efficiency, thus contributing more to national development and international integration, and realising the 13th National Party Congress’ resolution, NA Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân has said.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, the top legislator said 2021 is an important year as it is a transition to a new tenure and the first year of implementing the 13th National Party Congress’s resolution.

Also this year, the election of deputies to the 15th NA and People’s Council at all levels for 2021-2026 will be conducted, she noted, adding that 2021 is also the first year the country implements the socio-economic strategy for the next 10 years as well as the socio-economic development plan for 2021-2025.

The NA leader called on the people, voters at home and Vietnamese abroad to promote solidarity and work together to overcome difficulties and contribute to the national construction and defence, while continuing to give their ideas for the country’s development.

Regarding the NA’s work last year, Ngân said despite great difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, climate change and global economic depression, Việt Nam managed to gain remarkable achievements, becoming a bright spot in both COVID-19 control and economic recovery and development. This was the result of great national solidarity, she said.

For the first time in the 75-year history of the NA, two NA sessions were held in both online and in-person formats, showing the lawmaking body’s quick adaptability to any circumstances, said the NA leader.

Last year, the National Assembly adopted 17 laws and debated 10 bills, Ngan said, adding that the legislature also approved resolutions ratifying the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The NA also passed a resolution that approved an investment plan for the national target programme on socio-economic development in ethnic minority-inhabited and mountainous areas for 2021-2030.

“This is considered a decision of special significance to spur sustainable socio-economic development in ethnic minority-inhabited and mountainous areas in particular, and the country in general, and it holds political and humanitarian values,” she continued.

During 2020, the NA successfully fulfilled its role as Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) with the organisation of the online AIPA-41 as the highlight.

The result, together with the country’s good performance as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021 and Chair of the ASEAN in 2020, contributed to consolidating and advancing Viet Nam’s position and prestige in the international arena.

Regarding relations between the legislature and voters and people, Ngân said question and answer sessions at NA meetings showed NA deputies have kept close bonds with the people and reflected the people’s concerns and aspirations. Deputies have also worked hard to urge the Government, ministries and agencies to deliver on their promises.

Over the past 75 years, the NA has accompanied the nation and become the symbol of national unity, Ngân said, adding that in all circumstances, the legislature has completed its mission as the highest representative body of the people and the most powerful State agency of the country. — VNS