(VOVworld) - The National Assembly (NA) on Monday adopted a resolution on the socio-economic development plan for 2017, which aims to reach a GDP growth rate of about 6.7 percent.

Lawmakers approve the resolution on the socio-economic development plan for 2017 (Photo: An Dang/VNA)

Head of the NA Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh said: “The economic growth target set for 2016 can’t be fulfilled as scheduled due to numerous natural disasters. As the domestic investment and business environment improves, from next year Vietnam will combine the financial plan and the plans for public investment and economic restructuring until 2020 toward mobilizing, allocating, and using more efficiently domestic and foreign resources for socio-economic development. Thus maintaining the GDP growth target is to illustrate the highest determination to reach the set goal.”

The public has expressed their belief in the government’s efforts to meet the target.

Nguyen Van Dao, a resident of Ha Long City, Quang Ninh province said: “I think the target proves the government’s political determination. We hope that it will be realized because the government has made many reforms in leadership, direction, and management.”

To achieve the GDP growth target for next year, Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung said about 31.5% of the GDP will be required for social investment, an increase of 10% against 2016.

At a debate on the draft revised Law on Tourism on Tuesday, lawmakers stressed the importance of revising the Law on Tourism to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of domestic and foreign travel agents. The deputies said the document simplifies the licensing procedures for domestic companies and allows foreign investors to get involved in the travel business in Vietnam, noting that the move will encourage competition.

The National Assembly also discussed a report on a draft law to support small and medium enterprises, and a draft law on irrigation and water resources.