A consistent approach and cooperation between member parliaments of the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly in tackling COVID-19 and post-pandemic recovery is among suggestions proposed by delegates to the virtual meeting of the Committee on Social Matters

An overview of the virtual meeting of the Committee on Social Matters
in the framework of AIPA 41 (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the meeting, Vice Chairwoman of Vietnam’s National Assembly Tong Thi Phong stressed that AIPA’s support and effective collaboration among AIPA member parliaments is a decisive factor in realising the goal of building a people-centred and socially-responsible ASEAN Community.

During the event, participants discussed challenges brought by COVID-19 for labour, employment, social welfare, culture, education, vocational training, biodiversity, waste treatment and other social matters. They also exchanged experiences and know-hows applied by their respective countries in tackling the aforementioned matters.

Delegates to the meeting proposed multiple approaches and responsive measures to protect lives and health of people, as well as environment, aiming at sustainable development in the region and the world.They affirmed the determination of

AIPA Member Parliaments to support the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community in responding to COVID-19 ensuring that no one is left behind during epidemic outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

Nguyen Hoang Mai, Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee to the Committee on Social Matters of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly informed delegates on the Vietnamese legislature’s efforts in assisting people through the pandemic.

Specifically, the Vietnamese National Assembly has ensured a legal framework for implementing measures in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Assembly also approved a support package worth 62 trillion VND to assist people and enterprises affected by the pandemic. It also adjusted the state budget towards promoting public investment and economic recovery. Resolutions on removing obstacles facing enterprises hard hit by the pandemic have also been issued by the National Assembly in a bid to facilitate post-pandemic recovery.

The meeting adopted a draft resolution on “Advancing AIPA’s Role In Supporting ASEAN Socio-cultural Community in Responding to COVID-19”. The final resolution is expected to be approved by the 41st General Assembly of AIPA.