The 8th session of the 14th National Assembly concluded on November 27. Deputies discussed and adopted 11 laws, resolutions, and major policies for national socio-economic development.

Policies adopted at the National Assembly’s year-end session show the determination and consensus of the political system at all levels to fulfill socio-economic goals.

Promoting the economy and caring for people’s lives

The National Assembly passed reports on the implementation of socio-economic tasks in 2019 and a plan for next year. The deputies approved a resolution on the Socio-economic Development Plan for 2020, targeting 6.8% GDP growth and setting goals and solutions for rapid, sustainable development and improving people’s lives.

Mai Phuong Hoa, a deputy for Nam Dinh province, said, “As usual, the Assembly’s year-end meeting examines socio-economic situation reports. The annual report on the socio-economic situation reviewed what has been done and started what needs to be done next year. The deputies discussed key issues and made practical recommendations.”

The National Assembly endorsed the Master Plan for Socio-economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for 2021-2030. The Master Plan promotes comprehensive development and sustainable use of potential to narrow development gap between regions.

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said, “The resolution is in line with the Party’s guidelines, the Constitution, and President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching on ethnic affairs, particularly for ethnic communities in remote, mountain, and border regions, to ensure them adequate living conditions and an education equivalent to that in other regions. The National Assembly and the government have combined policies to prevent overlapping and wastefulness.”

Improving legislation

The National Assembly adopted 12 draft laws. The revised Labor Code prescribes a roadmap to increasing the retirement age for men to 62 by 2028 and to 60 for women by 2035.

Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung said the new law aims to deal with an ageing population and gender equality. “The revised Labor Code defines issues which will have an impact in decades. It realizes Vietnam’s commitments under international conventions and trade agreements. We have amended laws to match domestic conditions and international integration.”

The Q&A session had 4 ministers and the Prime Minister answering deputies’ questions.

Nguyen Thanh Hai, Head of the National Assembly’s Committee for People’s Aspirations, said, “The deputies raised questions of public concern, fulfilling their duty to represent voters nationwide.”