During the third session deputies focused their discussions on contentious issues to ensure all enacted laws would be feasible and conform with the requirements of the nation’s renewal process. As a result, they adopted 11 laws and considered seven draft laws for submission to the next meeting. They proposed specific measures to resolve weaknesses in managing the State apparatus as well as dealing with burning issues in the context of a turbulent global economy.

The NA deputies gave an objective analysis of the chances to reach the targets for socio-economic development set for the whole year. Judging from the current situation, they decided to adjust some of the contents of the overall targets of the 2008 plan stressing that top priority would be given to curbing inflation, controlling price hikes, stabilising the macro-economy and ensuring social welfare and sustainable development.

It is worth noting that the NA considered a number of adjustments to the administrative boundaries of Hanoi and some other provinces. The expansion of the capital city’s area was debated in a democratic and frank manner.

The resolution on expanding Hanoi’s administrative boundaries was adopted with a majority of votes in favour, underlining the unanimity of the NA, the Government and the people for the need to expand the capital city. This was a decision of historic significance not only to Hanoi but also to the whole nation especially as Vietnam is preparing for the 1000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi. From now on, Hanoi will start to upgrade and modernize the city in the face of new challenges and difficulties but with high hopes for the bright future.

For many years, Hanoi has not lived up to its name as a thousand-year-old capital city of peace and green beauty.

Poor management resulting from a short-term vision has adversely affected and encroached on Hanoi’s cultural and social environment. Therefore, the NA asked the Government to instruct the relevant agencies to rapidly finalise the Hanoi expansion project based on opinions from scientists and the public nationwide.

The quality of Ministers’ question time at this session was much better than at the previous sessions, as both questions and answers focused on what really concerned voters.

Generally speaking, the NA deputies and cabinet members gained a better insight into the real state of the nation and their accountability for areas under their management.

However, voters were still unsatisfied with the way some ministers responded to questions by shifting the blame onto others and not accepting responsibility for their own actions. Obviously, there remain weaknesses in clarifying the personal accountability of each minister.

Though the third session was shortened by ten days compared to the previous one, the mode of operation needs to be revamped so that every deputy, in different positions, will show a higher sense of responsibility towards important national issues