Like other regular sessions, deputies spent the first days considering and deciding the country’s socio-economic development tasks. Based on reports drafted by the Government and relevant agencies, as well as appraisal reports by NA agencies, the NA weighed up the pros and cons of implementing the 2001-2005 development tasks, tasks for 2006 and the next five years till 2010, as well as approved the 2004 State budget spending report.

At the session, the lawmakers passed 10 bills on social insurance, real estate, civil aviation, information and technology, cinematography, lawyers, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, standards and technical standardizations, legal assistance, and securities.

It also adopted three resolutions on key national projects and their investment plans, the five-year land use plan till 2010, and the five-year national socio-economic development strategy till 2010. 

Deputies also gave opinions on 13 more bills to be submitted to the next session of the National Assembly.

As usual, the session paid special attention to voter opinions, considering them practical and valuable recommendations to the most powerful State agency.

With renewed efforts, the question time of the 9th NA session saw much progress. Twelve Cabinet members and the Prime Minister took the floor to answer deputies’ questions in an honest, frank and serious manner which captured great attention from the public.

The NA spent much time debating the implementation of land use plans under the Land Law. The deputies looked into the certain shortcomings in implementing the plans, and negative phenomena uncovered in land management, analysed reasons and devised solutions to renew and improve the quality of land management activities. 

The NA also looked into the implementation of the Ordinances on self-defence militiamen, pre-mobilisation, the elderly and people with disabilities; and proceeding procedures issued at the district, town and city levels in conformity with new regulations of the Criminal Procedures Code and the Civil Procedures Code.

The 9th session was also considered a special important event in the country’s socio-political aspect.

First, it was the first session to grasp and implement the resolutions of the recent 10th National Party Congress. On the opening day of the session, Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh delivered a report on the major contents and results of the congress, and through this important forum, called on the entire population to strive to realise the Party resolutions and accelerate the Renewal process comprehensively and constantly to obtain a rapid and sustainable growth.

Second, the session completed a very important task. That was the transfer of power among generations of senior leaders to ensure the continuity, inheritance and development of the nation. The State President, the Government Prime Minister and the NA Chairman expressed their desires to hand over their tasks to their successors at the session. The NA approved their proposals and elected new leaders for these titles. It also approved the Government Prime Minister’s proposal on relieving and voting for titles of deputy Prime Ministers, several Cabinet members and the Chief State Audit. The transfer of power between predecessors to successors took place in a solemn and emotional atmosphere, showing the unity and cultural beauty of the legislature.

In the spirit of seriousness, quickness and high sense of responsibility, the legislature completed its working agenda after one and a half months sitting. It was a double success because, in addition to completing its regular tasks, it helped perfect the high-level State apparatus. 

The success of the session will create new momentum for the NA to continue its reforms and, together with the entire Party and people, to help bring the country forward.