Reform in National Assembly performance

For over a month, lawmakers debated master plans for finance and investment, and laws concerning human rights, the market economy, and Vietnam’s business climate.

System of medium-range finance and investment plans decided for the first time

National Assembly deputies reviewed the implementation of socio-economic and state budget plans for 2016, economic restructuring over the past 5 years, and plans until 2020. 

They also discussed public investment, finance, and public debt management plans for the next 5 years. 

This is the first time the National Assembly has decided on a system of medium-range master plans for finance and investment.

“The National Assembly passed important resolutions on socio-economic development, finance, public investment, and economic restructuring. The resolutions define specific goals for implementation”,saidTran Hoang Ngan, a deputy representing HCM city.

Bui Van Phuong, a deputy for the northern province of Ninh Binh, said important issues were addressed frankly. “We have been very straightforward in areas such as finance and public debt. Transparency in these issues is important to the public”.

Reform in National Assembly debate

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

“This was a good decision. Every law must meet the criteria of quality and feasibility”,Hoang Quang Ham, a deputy for the northern province of Phu Tho told a VOV reporter.

Deputy Pham Tat Thang for the southern province of Vinh Long commented on the Q&A session:“There have been changes in the Q&A session. 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. Direct debates between deputies and ministers made the Q&A session more effective”.

Bui Van Phuong, a deputy for the northern of Ninh Binh shared his view,“Debate should be further encouraged, not only between deputies and law drafting agencies but also between deputies and law appraisal agencies. It will certainly improve the quality of the decision-making process.”

VOV5