Government News 11/11 Resolutions on socio-economic development, state budget estimate adopted The eighth session of the 13th National Assembly adopted resolutions on the socio-economic development plan and the state budget estimate for 2015 with a majority of votes on November 10. With 89.54 percent of votes in favour, the resolution on the socio-economic development plan for 2015 was passed, focusing on the enhancement of macro-economic stability and the removal of obstacles for businesses and production. It prioritises the acceleration of administrative reform; the fight against corruption and wastefulness; strengthening defence-security; safeguarding national sovereignty; and maintaining political and social order and safety. The resolution sets a number of socio-economic targets, including a GDP growth rate of 6.2 percent, a total export value growth rate of 10 percent, a consumer good index (CPI) increase of 5 percent, and an increased social development capital of 30-32 percent. The proportion of poor households will be reduced by 1.7-2 percent; 1.6 million jobs will be created; unemployment in urban areas will be lowered to less than 4 percent; skilled labourers will account for 50 percent of the workforce; and the rate of malnutrition in children under the age of five will be less than 15 percent. In the resolution, the NA calls for the effective implementation of strategic breakthroughs; the restructuring of the economy in accordance with the transformed growth model; improving the quality, effectiveness and competitiveness of products, businesses and the economy; reforming administrative procedures; accelerating the settlement of bad debts; and ensuring social welfare. On the same day, the resolution on the state budget estimate for 2015 was approved with 88.13 percent of votes. Accordingly, the budget revenue is projected at 921 trillion VND, while spending will be 1,147.1 trillion VND. This translates into a deficit of 226 trillion VND, equivalent to 5 percent of GDP. The resolution calls on the government to pursue a tight fiscal policy, while strictly managing spending to prevent wastefulness and corruption and promoting careful spending. Later that day, lawmakers discussed the revised enterprise law. Vietnamese general receives Indian army college delegation Lieutenant General Vo Van Tuan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, hosted a reception on November 10 for a delegation from the Indian Army War College led by Brigadier General Sravan Kumar. During the reception, Lieut. Gen. Tuan spoke highly of the growing cooperation between Vietnam and India in defence in recent years, including a number of exchange visits, the conferences for the defence industry and training courses in the fields of naval and air forces, the English and information technology. On his part, Sravan Kumar expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese side for welcoming his delegation, adding that the trip opened up opportunities to foster mutual understanding between the two countries.- Vietnam pushes for wide-ranging TPP deal Vietnam is determined to reach a comprehensive and balanced Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal, President Truong Tan Sang affirmed in a meeting with leaders of the 12 TPP member countries at their fifth summit in Beijing, China on November 10. It is necessary to continue the joint efforts in the spirit of mutual understanding and shared benefits, he said. Participants clarified that the deal was meant to nurture economic growth, create jobs, and improve competitiveness amongst its member economies. At the end of the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 22 nd Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum running from November 10-11, they adopted a joint statement detailing the specific course of action to speed up TPP talks in the near future. Launched in March 2010, the TPP talks involve 12 diverse economies, including New Zealand, Chile, Brunei, Singapore, the US, Peru, Vietnam, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Japan. The TPP accounts for approximately 40 percent of the world’s economic output and more than 30 percent of total global trade. Vietnam, Colombia foster multifaceted ties Vietnam is an important partner for Colombia in the Asian-Pacific region, Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Patty Londono said at a ceremony in Bogota last week to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Colombia. Colombia prioritised to boost cooperation with Vietnam in politics, culture and education, particularly the dispatch of teachers to teach the Spanish language and the regular participation in Hue festivals, he added. The two countries also maintained regular high-level meetings and supported each other at regional and international forums. Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela and Colombia Ngo Tien Dung highly valued Colombia’s opening its embassy in Hanoi. He affirmed that Vietnam is keen to further promote comprehensive cooperation with Colombia. He reminded President Truong Tan Sang’s invitation to Colombian President Manuel Santos to visit Vietnam and said he wishes that the two countries’ foreign ministries will arrange the visit soon. As part of activities to mark the anniversary, a number of cultural events, such as culinary exhibitions and art performances, were organised to introduce the land and people of Vietnam to Colombian people. Lawmakers scrutinise draft revised Investment Law Deputies suggested the draft revised Investment Law provide more concrete regulations on attracting investment, especially in agriculture and rural areas. At the ongoing eighth session of the 13 th National Assembly on November 10, lawmakers spoke highly of the draft amendments to the law, saying that they would help refine mechanisms, policies and administrative procedures for investments, thus creating a clear, open and transparent environment for investors. However, deputies pointed out a number of overlaps in the list of prohibited investment areas, adding that it also included non-business activities such as trade arbitration. They therefore proposed a careful review of the list and subsequent adjustments. According to Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh, the bill is a new approach to law-making, since it explicitly lists the prohibited business activities in the law, which means that all non-listed business activities are legal. Regarding investment incentives for agriculture and rural areas, some legislators suggested specific regulations on investment incentives since they are now stipulated in different legal documents, causing difficulties for investors. They disagreed with a regulation on incentives for agricultural projects with 500 workers or more, explaining that a 300-strong workforce was already suitable. Vietnam, Hungary step up judicial collaboration A delegation from the Supreme Court of Hungary led by its President Peter Darak is paying a working visit to Vietnam from November 9-15. On November 10, Peter Darak held talks with Chief Judge of the Supreme People’s Court Truong Hoa Binh, during which they discussed measures for further cooperation in the time to come. Both sides agreed to share experience in judicial training, judgment, building and application of precedents, and judicial administrative management. The host stressed that the Vietnamese Party and State are paying special attention to judicial reform with the goal of building a socialist state of law. He also informed the guest of several important renovations in the judicial system of Vietnam. Vietnam wants to boost ties with Papua New Guinea Vietnam wishes to step up the friendship and cooperation with Papua New Guinea, President Truong Tan Sang confirmed at his meeting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’neill in Beijing, China, on November 10. During the meeting that took place on the sidelines of the 22th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the leaders discussed measures to bolster bilateral ties. Exchanging visits all levels, organising businesses’ meetings, and negotiating and signing agreements were identified among the measures that will help accelerate the two countries’ economic, trade, investment and energy links. The leaders reached a consensus on furthering bilateral cooperation at multilateral forums while pushing for closer coordination within APEC, especially when Vietnam and Papua New Guinea will host the APEC Year in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Vietnam and Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations on November 3, 1989. Argentina praises Vietnam’s renewal process Vietnam achievements in the renewal process have been highlighted at the talks on Vietnam and socialism in the 21st century held in Burzaco City, Buenos Aires recently. Secretary General of the Argentina’s Communist Youth Federation (FJC) German Choves briefed the participants on Vietnam’s history, emphasising some important landmarks in the struggle for national liberation and the renewal process initiated and led by the Communist Party of Vietnam. He presented persuasive statistical figures to show the impressive progress that Vietnamese people obtained in socio-economic and education development, poverty reduction and job generation. He recalled good memories during his recent visit to Vietnam, saying that he had seen with his own eyes admirable results in Vietnam’s national reconstruction, economic development and social justice. He also answered participants’ questions on geopolitical role, education development, industrialisation and gender equality in Vietnam. VNS/VOV/VNN