Government News 6/11 Changes to draft laws on VFF, election under discussion Lawmakers considered the draft of the revised Law on the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and the draft Law on the election of National Assembly and People’s Council representatives during the ongoing NA session in Hanoi on November 5. A number of representatives were in favour of explicitly highlighting the role and position of VFF in the regulation, specifying that it is an organisation that connects the Party and State with the people. They asked for clarification on how VFF and public-elected bodies exert their respective supervisory functions in order to avoid overlaps. In a chapter on VFF’s duty to provide comments on social affairs, a representative suggested its purpose, process and involved parties be added. Regarding amending the Law on the election of National Assembly and People’s Council representatives, the lawmakers called for a list of requirements that needed to be met by would-be NA deputies, making it easier to screen potential candidates. They also discussed the lobbying process and duration of the voting period, possibly lasting from 7am to 5pm. Legislators are due to examine a draft proposal to amend and supplement articles of the Law on Vietnam’s People’s Army officers and changes to the draft Law on People’s Public Security. PM praises northwestern residents and war invalids Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hailed a number of outstanding residents, war invalids and martyrs’ families of the northwestern region for their contributions to socio-economic development, culture, security and defence, and Party and Government building during a reception for regional representatives in Hanoi on November 5. The northwestern region, with a population of over 10 million, predominantly ethnic minority groups, has made a number of achievements in all areas, he noted. Over the past ten years, the regional economy has grown rapidly, with per capita income rising, the economic structure changing, and socio-economic infrastructure improving, he noted. Meanwhile, cultural services and social welfare programmes for residents have also improved, while security and defence is maintained, contributing to a borderline of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, he said. However, he also noted that the poverty ratio in the region was still high, highlighting the need to boost the region’s efforts for sustainable socio-economic development, culture, and security and defence, as well as stronger regional solidarity. He also urged the National Steering Committee for the Northwestern Region to pay greater attention to support policies for the region’s socio-economic development and the creation of a shared border of peace and stability with its neighbours. Indian Communist Party delegation visits Vietnam The Communist Party of India (CPI) wants to develop ties with the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Secretary of CPI Central Committee Samim Phai Di said in a meeting with the Head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, Hoang Binh Quan, in Hanoi on November 5. Phai Di, who is also a Politburo member and the Editor-in-Chief of India’s New Age newspaper, said the Communist Party of India was particularly keen to cooperate on sharing information and experience in policymaking, He said Vietnam’s achievements during its renewal process over the last 30 years, led by the CPV, provided a valuable lesson for communist and left-wing parties around the world. Quan assured his guest that the CPV highly valued and treasured its ties with the CPI, and looked forward to deepening the bilateral relations, which were established 35 years ago, particularly at multilateral and international forums in the spirit of the strategic partnership between the two countries. In talks earlier that day, Samim Phai Di and Deputy Head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Nguyen Huy Tang shared their experiences in developing a socialist-oriented market economy and discussed how to bolster ties between the two Parties and nations. While in Vietnam, the Indian guest is due to meet former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh and hold working sessions with senior officials in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the southern province Kien Giang. Politburo member Dinh The Huynh visits Lam Dong province Politburo member and deputy head of the Party report’s drafting committee Dinh The Huynh paid a working visit to the Central Highlands province Lam Dong on November 5. Working with Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee, politburo member Huynh, who is also Secretary of the Party Central Committee, heard reports on the province’s socio-economic development, defence and security issues and Party building. Politburo member Huynh, who is also Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education, praised Lam Dong for its strong political base, socio-economic progress and Party building. He urged the province to undertake maximum efforts to meet its 2014-2015 objectives and prepare for the national and provincial Party congresses. During his trip to Lam Dong, Huynh also visited the Tay Nguyen Institute of Scientific Research, Rung Hoa Da Lat company and the Tan Tien cooperative. Project on enhancing supporting industry’s capacity launched The project aims to enhance the capacity of Vietnamese businesses in supporting industries in order to meet EU market’s requirements. When the production of components is shifting from developed countries to developing countries, including Viet Nam, Vietnamese businesses are facing challenges of fierce competition from the network of businesses in the region and the world, as well as EU standards. The project focuses on studying export situation and capacity of local producers, developing training programs and post-training support in quality and production management for businesses producing components to meet European standards. It will also study and establish an information portal about European trade, organizations and component markets to help connect European purchasers with local producers. At least 100 businesses will be trained about EU trade and standards. In addition, the project will make suggestions and join studies on adjustments in several policies responding to international commercial practices and in policies related automobile industry and exporting strategy for component production. VNA/VGP/VNN