National Assembly deputies propose many solutions to overcome difficulties

On the afternoon of October 31, continuing to discuss the results of the implementation of the socio-economic development plan for 2013 and the 5-year plan (2011-2015) in a working session broadcast live on television and radio in the hall, National Assembly deputies noted the bright spots of the country's socio-economic situation and analyzed the limitations and shortcomings in each specific field.

National Assembly delegate of Quang Ngai province Nguyen Cao Phuc speaks. (Photo: Doan Tan/VNA)

The discussion also noted many solutions proposed by delegates to remove difficulties, improve development quality, and meet the expectations of people and voters nationwide.

The content mentioned by many delegates in the discussion session was the results of economic restructuring, boosting agricultural production and improving the quality of social security and health care services for the people. Also at the working session this afternoon, a number of ministers and heads of sectors further explained to delegates about issues of policy making and economic management.

The evaluation of the delegates in the discussion session all noted: In the difficult conditions of the world and domestic economy, but under the timely direction and policies of the Party and the efforts of the entire political system, the socio-economic situation of Vietnam has had positive changes, in the right direction and basically achieved the general goal of 2013 which is "strengthening macroeconomic stability, lower inflation, higher growth than in 2012" and "ensuring social security and social welfare" with 12/15 targets achieved and exceeded the plan.

However, many opinions are concerned that the economic and social indicators are low. The economy is still in a difficult period, continues to face great pressure in the short term and cannot return to the rapid growth trajectory in the next 1-2 years. The economic growth rate is low compared to the average growth target according to the plan, while the economic growth rate of Vietnam slows down, some countries in the ASEAN region have had clear improvements.

Some opinions are worried about the fact that agricultural production is considered the pillar of the economy in difficult times, however the growth rate tends to decrease gradually from 3.3% in the period 2006-2010, forecast to be only 2.81% in 2013.

General "health" check of enterprises to prescribe "special medicine"

Agreeing with the Government's assessment report, delegate Nguyen Thi Kha (Tra Vinh) pointed out some limitations such as the implementation of economic restructuring is still slow compared to requirements; the implementation of restructuring credit institutions has not met the set requirements, and administrative reform is still limited.

The strengths of agricultural production have not been fully exploited, the passive situation in agricultural product consumption still recurs, and the application of science and technology has not been invested in synchronously... are obstacles to the country's economy.

Delegate Kha suggested that the Government should strongly mobilize the intelligence and participation of scientists, economic experts and the entire population in implementing the economic restructuring project. It is necessary to boldly implement the recruitment project for the positions of Director, General Director of Groups and Corporations belonging to State-owned enterprises to select capable and worthy people and sign labor contracts, binding legal responsibility if there is any loss or failure to ensure publicity, transparency, and limit negativity and corruption.

Acknowledging the achievements in the management of monetary and credit policies of the Government, delegate Do Manh Hung (Thai Nguyen) still wondered about the results of bad debt settlement. Citing that only 5 banks have reduced bad debt, other banks still increased, especially the group of debts that are not able to repay capital, delegate Do Manh Hung requested the Government to report on the results of bad debt settlement of the newly established Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC) to have a comprehensive and substantial view of this issue.

Agreeing with the general socio-economic development goals for 2014 and the Government's proposal on issuing Government bonds, delegates Tran Van Minh (Quang Ninh), Bui Duc Thu (Lai Chau), and Huynh Thanh (Gia Lai) suggested that the use of Government bonds should not lead to a repeat of the waste and loss of the past; priority should be given to disbursing important, unfinished projects such as National Highway 1A and Road 14, projects that have great impacts on both the region and the locality. In addition, it is necessary to thoroughly review to save costs; especially to promote administrative reform and strictly handle a large number of officials and civil servants who lack responsibility in their work.

Delegate Ho Thi Thuy (Vinh Phuc) suggested that it is necessary to conduct a general “health check” of enterprises to “prescribe specific medicine” and specifically handle each type of “disease”. Priority should be given to supporting access to capital for enterprises with development prospects to promote production and business and release inventory.

Stop the decline in agricultural production

Expressing concern about the continued and severe decline in the growth rate of the agricultural sector in recent years, and the situation of a number of farmers abandoning their fields and farming, delegate Nguyen Quoc Cuong (Bac Giang) said that this is a "very unusual issue that needs special attention."

Pointing out some of the causes of this situation such as low income of farmers (more than 4 million VND/year); widespread fake fertilizers and pesticides... slow resolution and low results, delegate Cuong is concerned that if the above situation continues to happen, in the future, will the agricultural economy still be able to maintain its role as a pillar of the economy?

Delegate Cuong strongly requested the National Assembly and the Government to take active measures to quickly stop the decline in agricultural production; increase investment in agriculture, rural areas and farmers; and especially ensure that support policies for farmers reach farmers.

Also related to this content, according to delegate Huynh Van Tiep (Can Tho), in the past, the planning, organization of production, purchasing and consumption markets of agricultural products have not really been linked together, leading to the efficiency of the agricultural economy not being as expected.

Delegates proposed that the Government assign the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to promote the restructuring of agricultural production; at the same time, direct enterprises to sign contracts to purchase agricultural products for farmers, and replicate the value chain model nationwide like the one at An Giang Plant Protection Company, which is being effectively implemented.

Reporting and explaining further on this issue, according to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat, the main reason is that important agricultural resources have tended to decrease in recent years, the most important of which is the decrease in agricultural land area and rice land; State and social investment in agriculture has increased slowly. Agricultural growth is mainly due to increased productivity, but it is deducted for the loss due to reduced area, especially due to the consequences of natural disasters.

According to Minister Cao Duc Phat, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has developed a project to restructure the sector towards increasing added value and is working with localities, relevant ministries and sectors to implement it. The main task is to review the planning, reconsider the industry structure, and focus more on developing plants and animals that can rapidly increase added value. On the other hand, it is necessary to readjust the investment structure, adjust policies, plans and reorganize research on agricultural extension work as well as production structure, promote the development of linkage forms and rectify the effectiveness of state management.

In addition to the general project, the Ministry also has specific development plans for each sector as well as each locality. The Ministry has also focused on developing Circulars to guide localities as well as farmers in the spirit of preserving rice land, but being able to change the crop structure to bring higher economic efficiency. The Ministry is also actively adjusting business and export management to avoid competition, dumping, loss of reputation and impact on the consumption of Vietnamese pangasius.

Explaining further about the consumption of rice for farmers, especially in the Mekong Delta region, Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang said that the Government has directed to review the planning of agricultural product consumption in the spirit of creating conditions for businesses and farmers to participate. With that spirit, all economic sectors in the country are allowed to participate in rice export, if they meet the financial capacity requirements and other regulations of the State.

Innovation in investment in health services

Many opinions suggest that the Government implement strong measures to improve the quality of health care services for the people.

Referring to the overload situation in public hospitals, the serious deterioration of medical ethics, causing social outrage, delegate Nguyen Cao Phuc (Quang Ngai) suggested that the Government review the financial investment mechanism in the health sector in the direction of putting people at the center and at the same time have policies to diversify health services to meet the needs of all social classes, attract investors to actively invest in the field of public health care; create conditions for people to have more opportunities to choose medical treatment and health care facilities.

Regarding the reliability of statistical indicators, according to delegate Ho Thi Thuy (Vinh Phuc), the reason that can affect the authenticity of these indicators is "achievement disease." The consequences of publishing inaccurate data will greatly affect the planning of socio-economic development policies of the country.

Delegate Thuy recommended that authorities should step up inspections and checks of agencies and organizations that provide inaccurate data and have sanctions to handle and prevent them.

On the morning of November 1, National Assembly delegates will continue to discuss this important content in the hall./.

According to VNA