Hanoi (VNA) – Sustainable socio-economic development, a transparent and action-oriented government, responsibilꦬities of leaders and agriculture restructuring were among matters drawiღng special attention from lawmakers during the final working day of the 14th National Assembly’s first session in Hanoi on July 29.

Deputy Vu Tien Loc from Thai Binh expressed his support for the government’s stance on stabilising the macro-economy as a foundation for growth. He said a new wave of reform is taking root and a confidence in business environment is awakening again thanks to drastic actions by the government over the past six months. He suggested spreading effective models in support of entrepreneurship in localities, including special economic zones, e-government, public administration service centres and investment promotion agencies under the watch of local authorities and Party committees. Deputy Pham Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh City spoke highly of the government’s report on the socio-economic performance and State budget for the first half of this year, saying that the aim for a start-up nation and a transparent and action-oriented government has positively affected the economy. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, for his part, said from the beginning of its tenure, the government requested clearing hindrances to businesses, including considering the possibility of lowering lending rates and holding monthly dialogues between ministers, leaders of centrally-run cities and business owners. In order to improve business climate and national competitiveness, the government has exerted efforts to reform taxation and customs procedures, thus cutting travelling and business costs, he stated. Meanwhile, To Van Tam from the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum hailed institutional reform as an initial and proper breakthrough, and expressed his wish for quicker inspection of inefficient projects worth trillions of Vietnamese dong. Deputy Phan Van Tuong from the northern province of Thai Nguyen underscored the need to clarify responsibilities of leaders of localities, agencies and units, saying this will help improve business and investment environment, raise the national competitiveness, and complete the management mechanism. The agriculture sector should also be restructured, especially in the Mekong Delta, which is hard hit by climate change and saline intrusion, said Mai Thi Anh Tuyet from the Mekong Delta province of An Giang. According to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Vietnam is currently home to 12 million farming households, 3,000 agriculture firms and 1,000 cooperatives. The ministry will work closely with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry to refine policies that call for opening more cooperatives and large-scale production zones, he said, adding that between now and the end of this year, further focus will be put on fisheries, pig breeding, autumn-winter rice crops and disaster prevention.-VNA