In his speech, on behalf of the Party Central Committee, Party leader Nong Duc Manh sent his sympathy to families of the victims of tropical storm Katsana and said that the Party, the government and individuals throughout the country are willing to help the people in storm-hit areas to overcome the consequences of natural disasters and help them to stabilise their lives soon.

Mr Manh said the conference will discuss the proposals including a political programme on building up the country during the period of transition to socialism, a strategy for socio-economic development in the 2011-2020 period, and a number of reports on supplements and amendments to the Party’s Statues.

The conference will also discuss a report on socio-economic development and the State budget for 2009 and 2010 plus other important issues.

The event will run until October 10.