(VOVWORLD) - The mid-year session, which concluded on Friday, was special in the history of the National Assembly. Major decisions were made, opening doors to expanding trade with the European Union and laying a foundation for National Assembly reform.
Because of COVID-19 precautions, the session was divided into online and plenary meetings.
National Assembly reform
For the first time in its history, the National Assembly met online, where 63 provinces were connected to the legislature building in Hanoi. During the week-long meeting, deputies discussed 10 draft laws and 7 draft resolutions and listened to 6 other draft laws and socio-economic and state budget reports. They also reviewed the enforcement of policies and laws on child abuse. Deputy Nguyen Thanh Hai, representing Tien Giang province, said: “The 9th session of the 14th National Assembly was special. Through close coordination between the Assembly Office and the deputies, we have fulfilled the session’s agenda, timing, and formats to decide major issues facing the nation.”
The legislature has reformed its mode of operation to adapt to COVID-19 risks and apply the advanced technology, according to Secretary General of the National Assembly Nguyen Hanh Phuc. He said: “An e-National Assembly that uses smart devices and software for better communications and interaction has been one of the aims of the Assembly leaders. In this digital age, the legislature must change and use ICT for quicker implementation of policies and guidelines.”
Major decisions on economic recovery, international integration
The session added impetus to Vietnam’s international integration when legislators overwhelmingly approved the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). The agreements will take effect in early August, paving the way for Vietnamese businesses to enter the vast European Union market. Vu Tien Loc, Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Approval of the agreements means a lot to Vietnam, which has contained COVID-19 and is reopening its economy. EVFTA will add momentum. By strengthening cooperation with the EU, we will be able to access a market of 450 million people, and will see an inflow of FDI into Vietnam.”
Deputies also adopted the revised Law on Enterprises and revised Law on Investment, and a Resolution reducing by 30% the 2020 income taxes for enterprises with revenues below 8.5 million USD per year. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said: “The National Assembly adopted many important policies to resume production and help people and businesses overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve socio-economic development targets for 2020 and beyond.”
Deputies agreed a list of members of the National Election Council, which will be responsible for organizing and managing the National Assembly election and elections of the People’s Councils next year.