The discussion session in the National Assembly building in Hanoi. (Photo: Van Diep/VNA)

The majority of delegates agreed on the necessity of promulgating the resolution, saying this is to institutionalize the Politburo's resolutions, mobilize resources, and promote socio-economic development for localities. However, they asked the Government to clarify solutions on planning management and decentralization of power in changing purposes of land and forest use. Deputies suggested that central budget only be spent on infrastructure development so that these specific mechanisms and policies can really create breakthroughs for the growth of the piloted localities.

Deputy Nguyen Quoc Luan of  Yen Bai province, said: “I agree to delegate more power to the People's Councils of Hai Phong city and Thanh Hoa province, so that they are able to stipulate additional fees other than the those specified in the Law on Fees and Charges. However, I recommended to consider the roadmap for implementing this policy, especially in 2022 when Vietnam focuses on economic recovery and development after being heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and people and businesses, especially import and export transport enterprises, are struggling to pay taxes, fees and charges.”

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that the comments of the National Assembly deputies will be taken into serious consideration.

In the afternoon session, the National Assembly discussed online the implementation of social insurance policies, management and use of the Social Insurance Fund in 2020, management and use of the Health Insurance Fund in 2020 and the implementation of Resolution No. 68 on accelerating the implementation of policies and laws on health insurance towards universal health insurance in 2019 and 2020.