(VOVworld) – Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong delivered an important speech at the opening of the 14th National Assembly’s first session in Hanoi on Wednesday. He focused on key tasks and major directions of the legislature during the 2016-2021 tenure. VOV has excerpts of Mr. Trong’s speech.
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Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong at the first session of the 14th NA on 20th July 2016.
(Photo: Hoang Long) |
Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong underscored law building, quality improvement, the effectiveness of monitoring work and external relations, and expansion of the oversight authority of NA deputies and agencies.
By 2020, legal system to be refined to meet needs of national construction
Party leader Trong said the 14th National Assembly should prioritize the building and refinement of the legal system toward comprehensiveness, uniformity, and feasibility. To achieve that goal, the legislature should improve the quality of legislative programs, reform the legislative process, and ensure democracy and transparency within the legal system.
Mr. Trong said: “We need to focus on building a state governed by law, ensuring human rights, and refining the laws on land, natural resources, financing, monetary policy, business and investment, the environment, science and technology, and education and training. We should continue the Party’s current stance and direction, learning from other countries and applying what is most suitable to Vietnam’s situation. We absolutely must not let hostile forces divert our legal system in another direction.”
Improving oversight and decision-making on crucial issues and strengthening external relations
The 14th legislature should improve oversight by providing timely detection, recommendations, correction of shortcomings, and completion of documents relating to oversight activities.
Party leader Trong said oversight activities need to focus on issues of greatest concern to the public and that Q&A sessions should increase democracy and open dialogue.
He said the new legislature should give priority to responsibility and the quality of decision making on major socio-economic issues and issues related to the state budget and key investment projects that have a big impact on the macro-economy, the interests of the public, and national defense and security.
At this session, the assembly will elect or approve high-ranking State personnel for the 2016-2021 tenure. As this is a vital task, Mr. Trong called for democratic discussion to select the most qualified candidates for key leadership roles in the legislature and government.
Regarding external relations, Party leader Trong said: “We need to continue to boost the NA’s external relations activities toward effectively implementing Vietnam’s open foreign relations policy, multi-lateralization, and diversification of international relations. It’s essential to promote bilateral relations to create breakthroughs in parliamentary cooperation with other countries and in international forums.”
Improving the effectiveness of NA agencies and deputies
The quality of NA activities depends on its agencies and on each of its deputies, Party leader Trong said, focusing on the need to strengthen the operation of the NA Standing Committee and the authority of NA agencies.
“NA deputies should be clearly aware of their power and responsibility to ably implement action plans and keep in close contact with voters to make the activities of the NA and its agencies more effective. NA deputies should cultivate a virtuous character – be industrious and thrifty, honest, public-spirited and selfless, and resolutely fight against bureaucratic behavior, corruption, and wastefulness,” according to the Party chief.