NA’s eighth session: deputies scrutinize State budget-related issues
NA deputies discussed measures to ensure stability of the State budget collection during the afternoon sitting of the ongoing eighth session of the 14th National Assembly (NA), which opened on October 21.
Hanoi (VNA) – NA deputies discussed measures to ensure stability of the Statebudget collection during theafternoon sitting of the ongoing eighth session of the 14th National Assembly (NA), whichopened on October 21.
Participants listened to a Government report on the implementation of the Statebudget in 2019, and debated the State budget estimate and theallocation for 2020, and a verification report on the work.
Presenting the verification report, headof the NA’sFinance - Budget Committee Nguyen Duc Hai praised efforts and highlyresponsible coordination by the Government, ministries, sectors and localities,the business community and the financial sector to overcome difficulties andchallenges in order to successfully accomplish the set tasks.
However, he also suggested that the Government take stronger measures to promotedomestic production and business, towards ensuring stability of the Statebudget collection.
It is necessary to have solutions to collect unpaid tax debts, and strictlymanage export-import activities to increase collection and arrears in the field,Hai stressed.
He mentioned outstanding issues concerning the State budget spending, and pointedout that in some localities, the regular budget spending has decreased slowly, whilemany localities are unable to balance the budget.
Notably, the disbursement of development investment resources remains slowly,reaching only 49.1 percent of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister, he said.
Hai said the committee agrees with the Government report onoverspending evaluation and State budget balance in 2019; and the Government’s proposalof the State budget collection estimate for 2020, which is hoped to yearly increaseby 3.8 percent.
NA deputies also commented on the State budget spending plan for 2020, andissues related to salary reform.
Regarding public debt, the committee agreed with the Government report, which saysthat by the end of 2020, the public debt is expected to stand at 54.3 percentof GDP, while the Government debt and the country’s foreign debts will be 48.5percent and 45.5 percent of GDP, respectively.
The committee asked the Government to clearly report to the NA at this sessionon all debts related to the State budget./.
It is necessary to further promote public awareness of women’s empowerment, especially their political participation, although the percentage of women in Vietnam’s parliament is currently higher than the global average, said a minister.
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.
At the sitting on October 21 (Source: VNA) 
