NA deputies push the button to vote on resolution on 2013 socio-economic development plan. (Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA)

(VOVworld) – On Thursday, the NA deputies debated the draft law on preventing and reducing the effects of natural disasters and the revised law on science and technology. Vietnam is one of the countries to be the hardest hit by climate changes losing between 5 and 10% of GDP therefore, it’s necessary to introduce a law on natural disaster prevention and reduction. At next May’s session of the NA, the Government will submit a plan to the NA on responses to climate change. However, some deputies said the future law should be in line with international conventions to which Vietnam is a signatory. These include the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change. Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, a deputy from Thai Binh province, underlined the need to set up a professional rescue service as well as plans for responding to climate change. Mr. Hai said ‘Recently, the Prime Minister issued regulations to gradually develop a fully equipped professional search and rescue service. Under the PM’s regulation, the fire department in each locality will conduct all search and rescue operations. The government is trying to reduce the amount of damage and loss of life.’

When discussing the revised law on science and technology, several deputies said that it’s vital to consider the development of science and technology as the key that will open the door to sustainable development so that by 2020, Vietnam can become an industrialized nation.

Also on Thursday, deputies discussed next year’s supervision activities which will focus on land management, public investment, national economic restructuring, management of government bond capital, ODA, and key national projects, especially the law on laws. They called for more supervision on the enforcement of legal documents. Truong Van Vo is a deputy from Dong Nai province ‘To improve the quality of NA supervision, I propose that more attention be given to supervision at the grass roots level and to collecting public opinions. Recently, supervision has been done mainly via reports. Supervisory teams should include members from various sectors and agencies and be consistent from the beginning to the end of the supervision. I agree that there should be a balance average of areas subject to supervision and suggest that top priority be given to afforestation and education.’

The NA adopted a resolution on next year’s socio-economic development plan. They approved the targets of achieving 5.5% GDP growth, 10% export growth, and an 8% import surplus. They set a target of generating 1.6 million new jobs.