Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc delivers speech at the new Government’s regular meeting in Hà Nội yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI— Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has asked Cabinet members, ministries and agencies to swiftly outline their working plans to spur growth in service of the people.
This was among tasks assigned by the PM at the new Government’s regular meeting in Hà Nội yesterday following his presentation of the State President’s appointment decisions to each of the Cabinet members.
This is the first Cabinet meeting since the 14th National Assembly elected the Prime Minister and approved the Cabinet for 2016-21 during its first session from July 20-29.
He asked Cabinet members to understand issues under their charge to promptly fix weaknesses, especially those of public concern.

Ministries and agencies should define key points in management and administration, map out implementation measures, and promptly respond to problems, he said.
“Ministries and agencies must be free from any corrupt behaviour and any deeds that could be harmful to the people,” PM Phúc stressed.

The leader also called for the early issuance of working regulations so the Government, ministries and agencies can surmount current limitations, especially loose co-ordination between ministries and agencies.

Decrees stipulating missions and organisation of ministries and agencies must be issued no later than October this year, the PM said, stressing that the Government must report the country’s socio-economic development to the National Assembly within the next three months.

“Ministers and heads of agencies must take responsibility for the performance of their agencies before the Government and the legislature,” he noted.

Besides, the building and operation of the e-Government should be accelerated towards publicity and transparency to enable the public to keep a close watch on the Government’s activities.

PM Phúc stressed that a Government that spurs growth must develop institutions, laws and policies.

In that spirit, he requested ministries and agencies to devise clear and specific development strategies and work together as well as with localities.

Cabinet members should pay due attention to information provided by news agencies as well as public feedback, he said.

The first working session of the two-day meeting heard several draft laws and draft decrees.

Revision of business laws

Also yesterday, the draft law on amendments and supplements of laws on business and investment drew the attention of Cabinet members. 
The draft law was compiled to revise and supplement some articles in 11 current laws: the Law on Investment; Law on Enterprises; Law on Land; and Law on Construction; besides Law on Environment Protection; Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting; Law on Tax Management; and Law on Corporate Income Tax; as well as Law on Urban Planning; Law on Advertising; and Law on Housing. 
The revision and supplementation of the aforesaid legal documents are meant to continuously improve the business investment environment, which is transparent, equal, safe and friendly to people and entrepreneurs. 
The draft law will continue to reduce the number of conditional business sectors and unnecessary business conditions, while improving investment incentives and protection policies, and addressing shortcomings in business operations. 
Special attention will be given to improving administrative procedures and reforming the management of business investment activities. 
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said the draft law was meant to remove any barriers for businesses and allow them to operate more effectively. 
In addition to tightening state management, it was necessary to create a favourable environment as per the market economy, he said. 
The prime minister directed the justice ministry to coordinate with the planning and investment ministry in collecting the opinion of organisations and individuals so that the draft law was quickly finalised and submitted it to the National Assembly for approval to boost business activities and economic growth. 

Today, the Government will talk about the socio-economic situation in July and the first seven months of the year and work future plans. — VNS