Legislative body to make major economic decisions, minister appointments

The National Assembly's year-end meeting started Thursday, discussing major socio-economic issues and several draft laws.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will present reports on socio-economic results in 2022 and plans for 2023, followed by appraisal reports by the National Assembly (NA) Economic Committee’s Chairman Vu Hong Thanh.

In the afternoon, a representative of the government will report to the parliament on state budget issues in 2022 and plans for 2023; the draft amended Law on Anti-Money Laundering; the draft Resolution on piloting distinct mechanisms and policies for the development of Buon Ma Thuot town in Dak Lak province, Central Highlands.

The NA will hold a separate meeting at the end of the day to commence the process of removing Tran Sy Thanh from the State Auditor General position for the 2021-2026 term as he has assumed charge as the new mayor of Hanoi since July.

It will also approve the resignation of Transport Minister Nguyen Van The for the term 2021-2026 in line with his wish.

The process of dismissing as well as electing new personnel for the State Auditor General position and approving the appointment of ministers of transport and health will be completed on Friday.

Discussions on socio-economic issues will last two days from October 27-28.

Another highlight of the NA session is the question and answer part, which will take place within 2.5 days, from the November 3 afternoon to the end of November 5.

NA General Secretary Bui Van Cuong has proposed six groups of questions, including internal affairs, construction, information and communication, science and technology, inspection, and justice. National Assembly delegates will decide four groups of questions for government members to answer.

The legislative body is scheduled to pass seven draft laws, including an amended oil & gas law and one on money laundering, and three draft resolutions.

Other draft laws that legislators are set to discuss and pass cover domestic violence, inspections, grassroots democracy, radio frequency, and health checks and treatment.

It will also discuss seven draft laws on land, consumer protection, bidding, pricing, digital transaction, cooperatives, and civil defense.

Notably, the government has delayed the submission of the draft land law four times. Approval of a law normally takes three meetings, including two for discussion and one for a vote, Hoang Thanh Tung, head of the NA Legal Affairs Committee, said at the NA meeting in May.

The working session is scheduled to wrap up on November 15, after 21 working days.