Alcohol harm prevention law- focus of NA’s working session
The draft law on prevention of alcohol harm was presented to the National Assembly along with a verification report on November 9 at the ongoing sixth session of 14th NA.
Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien presents the Government's propsal on the draft law on prevention of alcohol harm. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The draft law on prevention of alcohol harm waspresented to the National Assembly along with a verification report on November9 at the ongoing sixth session of 14th NA.
The draft Law has seven chapters with 38 articles stipulating measures toprevent and reduce the negative impacts of alcohol and beer on Vietnamesepopulation’s health as well as other business and production activities. Also,it lays down specific regulations on the traditional alcohol production.
According to the Government’s proposal on the draft law presented by Ministerof Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, alcohol consumption in the country has reachedan alarming level. The World Health Organisation estimated that the averageVietnamese person over 15 years old consumed 8.3 litres of pure alcoholequivalent in 2016.
In 2015, as much as 44.2 percent of men drank alcohol at a hazardous level, almostdoubling the figure recorded in 2010. Heavy drinkers are more common in ethnicresidents and those living in mountainous and rural areas, she added.
Negative influence of alcohol has posed a formidable challenge for the countryto realise the sustainable development goals by 2030 it has committed, she said.Besides the harm on health, alcohol and beer are among three major causes oftraffic accidents among men aging 15-49. In addition, nearly 30 percent of casesof social disturbance have close connection with alcohol and beer while 70percent criminal violations among people under 30 are related to alcohol use.
Presenting the assessment on the draft law, Chairwoman of the NA’s SocialAffairs Committee Nguyen Thuy Anh said that most of the committee’s members agreedwith the name of the law. The committee asked the Government to conduct moredetailed evaluation on the consistency between the draft law and related onesas well as its compatibility with Vietnam’s commitments to the World TradeOrganisation and other international treaties.
In addition, the committee required the Government to complete a reportevaluating the impacts of policies and administrative procedures that arise fromthe draft law.
Also in the morning session, NA deputies discussed some contents that receivedmixed opinions on the cultivation law.-VNA
About 3 million young Vietnamese are affected by mental and psychological problems but only 20 percent of them receive medical treatment, while the rest resort to alcohol, tobacco, and drug, said a doctor in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ministry of Health held a seminar in Hanoi on November 8 on Vietnam’s international commitments to preventing the harmful effects of alcohol and beer, as well as the recommendations from international organisations towards the draft law on the prevention and combat of alcohol abuse.
Deputies of the 14th National Assembly (NA) are scheduled to debate a number of laws and approved a resolution on the 2019 State budget estimates at the legislature’s ongoing sixth session on November 9.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien presents the Government's propsal on the draft law on prevention of alcohol harm. (Photo: VNA) 
