(VOVworld) - The 14th National Assembly convened its first session in Hanoi on Wednesday, focusing on electing high-ranking State personnel for the 2016-2021 tenure, and discussing crucial national issues.

NA deputies at the 14th NA's first session (Source: VNA)

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said that in the recent election of deputies to the 14^th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels, voters elected 494 deputies who represent national unity, and the people’s will and intelligence: “The 14^th National Assembly’s term begins as the Party and the people are actively implementing the resolutions of the 12^th National Party Congress. Despite the achievements of the renewal process over the past 30 years, Vietnam faces a great number of difficulties and challenges. The national construction and defense have set heavy, but noble tasks for the National Assembly. The 494 deputies will lend their ability and strength to help the 14^th National Assembly fulfill the tasks entrusted to it by the people”.

At the first meeting, the National Assembly heard the National Election Council’s report on the outcomes of the election of deputies to the 14th NA and the People’s Councils at all levels for 2016-2021 and the verification of elected deputies’ eligibility. While presenting a report on voters’ ideas and recommendations, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Nguyen Thien Nhan, said: “The voters showed their concern about action programs and candidates’ promises and said they hope the elected deputies will keep their promises. They asked for a mechanism for the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the people to monitor the deputies’ action. The voters said they hope the deputies of the 14^th National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2016-2021 term will honor their responsibilities, meet often with the voters, listen to people’s aspirations, and recommendations, supervise the State’s response to people’s complaints and petitions, and improve the effectiveness of the National Assembly and People’s Councils”.

During the first session, from July 20-29, the National Assembly will elect high-ranking personnel for the State, the National Assembly, and the government according to the Constitution. The session will also focus on the government’s report on socio-economic development and the State budget for the first half of this year, solutions to socio-economic development and State budget for the second half of this year, approval of the 2014 State budget and NA resolutions on the legislative program, the oversight program for 2017, and the establishment of specialized inspection groups.