HÀ NỘI — Discussion on measures to develop Việt Nam’s social organisations were the main attraction for participants at a seminar held in the capital city on Wednesday.

Nguyễn Đức Thành, director of the Việt Nam Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR), the organiser, said building the Law on Associations as soon as possible was the first and most important measure.

The second involved calling for more financial sources for social organisations, which was necessary in the current situation, Thành said in his report at the forum.

“In the context of reducing international financial sources for social organisations, there is need to make full use of domestic aid especially from enterprises.”

VEPR’s report said the third proposal involved preparing a simple legal framework on procedures and operations for social associations. 

"It is needed so that social associations can more easily implement social charity and mobilise aid," Nguyễn Khắc Giang, a researcher of VEPR group, said.

According to Giang, the country should develop clear classifications for the operational structure of each kind of social association, based on practical experience and ability to attract financial resources. 

At present, there are four main kinds of social organisations operating in Việt Nam: non-profit association, State-owned science and technology union, association operating under ministry or sector, and civil association.

Favourable government policies, including tax reduction or exemptions, should also be applied for social organisations, the VEPR report urged.

Giang added that another measure is that Việt Nam creates mechanisms for fair competition between State-owned unions and civil associations.

The country could establish a suitable model to call on aid for all kinds of social associations. Administrative procedures on receiving aid, especially international aid, also needs to be simplified, according to Giang.

Dr Đặng Nguyên Anh, from Việt Nam Academy of Social Sciences, agreed that there is no fair room between State-owned and non-State social associations.

Anh also urged social organisations in Việt Nam to learn financial transparency from their Northern European counterparts.        

Lê Quang Bình, President of the People’s Participation Working Group (PPWG) stressed that social organisations operating in the fields of health, hunger eradication and poverty elimination need more favourable policies from the Government.

He also said that the model of social enterprise should be encouraged to expand.

Jointly organised by the Việt Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations, the seminar hopes to generate debates and contribute opinions on appropriate adjustments to finalise a legal basis for social associations. — VNS