Changes help improve National Assembly performance

During the sessions, the National Assembly approved key positions in the state apparatus, set socio-economic targets for 2017, and passed some important legislation.

Responsibility and far-sighted vision

During the first session in July, the National Assembly passed several laws that promote human rights, strengthen the financial and monetary system and improve the business and investment climate. These include the Law on Religion and Belief, the Law on Property Auction, revisions to the list of conditional business lines under the Law on Investment and revisions to tax reductions and exemptions for agricultural land use. 

Law makers also approved an economic restructuring plan until 2020, a 5-year financial plan, a public investment plan until 2020, the 2017 socio-economic development plan and state budget estimates and allocations for 2017.

A decision to cancel the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant project demonstrated the National Assembly's responsibility and far-sighted vision on issues that have profound impact on national construction, defense, security and people’s livelihoods.

“The sessions have been a success, auguring a smooth operation for the whole tenure. I believe we’ll live up to voters’ expectations”, said Bui Van Cuong, a deputy representing Gia Lai province.

Reform in National Assembly debate

For the first time, deputies were given the opportunity to debate cabinet members during the Q&A session. This change helps the National Assembly make well-informed decisions, as demonstrated by its delay of a draft law on associations and revisions to the Criminal Code.

Instead of simply questioning ministers, the National Assembly raised groups of related questions, which required a collaboration of the cabinet members to deliver the answers.

“Debate makes the Q&A session more effective because it gives law makers an opportunity to get the answers they need. The National Assembly should work harder to meet the nation’s growing demands”, said former Head of the National Assembly's External Relations Committee, Vu Mao.