During the past week, deputies at the 8^th session of the 12^th National Assembly (NA) discussed a wide range of important issues on the socio-economic status in 2010 and solutions for socio-economic development next year, and gave their opinions on other issues. More than 79 deputies took the floor and 7 ministers presented issues of great public concern related to their sectors under their management.

NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien said the activities of NA deputies showed democracy, responsibility and heart-felt contribution to the country’s development.

Despite facing difficulties and challenges in the world economy, we have fulfilled many common targets that have helped the national economy bounce back quickly. With the State budget and other resources, we have ensured social welfare, national defense, security, and political stability, thus elevating Vietnam’s status in the international arena. These achievements demonstrate the Government’s flexible management and the NA’s strict supervision as well as the great efforts of the entire political system, said Mr Kien.

However, NA deputies pointed out weaknesses and limitations that need to be deal with in the future because the national economy still lacks firm stability and inflation rate and prices of essential goods are rising sharply, resulting in little improvements of people’s lives.

Furthermore, the use of public property and spending, and anti-corruption measures have proved ineffective, and investment in agriculture and rural development is incommensurate with the strategic role of the sector. Consequently, people’s lives are still very difficult.

NA deputies underscored the need to make a breakthrough in infrastructure development, domestic production consumption and job creation to improve people’s material and spiritual lives in rural areas. They also emphasised it is essential to develop State groups and corporations sustainably and strictly control State agencies.

The NA Standing Committee will prepare a draft resolution on socio-economic tasks for next year and will collect NA deputies’ opinions to finalise the resolution for approval at this NA session.

Over the last week, NA deputies discussed the State budget, the revised Law on Securities and heard an appraisal of the draft law on measurement, the Capital Law and the Dung Quat Oil Refinery project.

They considered reports from the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy and the Ministry of Public Security on judicial issues, crime control, and court rulling as well as dealing with denunciations, complaints and corruption.

In the next sessions, NA deputies will hear reports from the NA Standing Committee on administrative reform for the 2001-2010 period.