Do not let the situation of having resolutions without implementation
Working with ministries and branches on the preparation for the preliminary review of the implementation of Resolution 120 of the Government on sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region in response to climate change, the Prime Minister assessed that many ministries, branches and localities have not actively implemented it, and at the same time noted that it is necessary to avoid the situation of "beating the drum and abandoning the stick", having a Resolution but not implementing it.
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| Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at a working session on the afternoon of February 19. Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu |
Along with that, we have systematized data and inter-sectoral data, strengthened basic investigations, in which the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has updated meteorological, hydrological, oceanographic, mud and sand data and water resources of the region. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has focused on surveying and assessing the situation of riverbank and coastal erosion.
Regarding resources, up to now, central and local agencies have planned to allocate about 18,000 billion VND to implement programs and projects.
Resolution 120 is a breakthrough in innovative thinking and approach, however, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, some agencies and localities have not really innovated in this spirit, still waiting for guidance and support resources from the Central Government.
After the ministries and branches reported on the implementation and preparations for the conference to review the implementation of Resolution 120, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized that this Resolution was thoroughly researched and developed in terms of development perspectives, development models and specific solutions, and was highly appreciated by domestic and foreign experts. In the context of severe climate change, it is very necessary to promptly review and evaluate the implementation of the Resolution.
The Prime Minister assessed that ministries, branches and localities have made changes in organizing the implementation of the Resolution, including projects to restructure agricultural production and a number of fields in the Mekong Delta region.
However, the Prime Minister pointed out that there is still a lack of determination in implementing the Resolution, including many problems in thinking and action; lack of initiative and mobilization of people in implementing the Resolution:
“It is necessary to evaluate more fully the directions of all levels, sectors, especially localities in implementing the Resolution. Is there any sector that has not organized implementation since the Resolution was issued? Is there any sector that has not read the Resolution to see its responsibilities? I see that there is, not that there is not. There is a tendency to follow the flow, forget, accept the old, and refuse to innovate thinking, while many ministers are working hard, handling issues related to life and development of the Mekong Delta. Development orientation and implementation direction are extremely important for sensitive river areas that are strongly and deeply affected by climate change like the Mekong Delta,” the Prime Minister said, requesting to avoid the situation of “beating the drum and abandoning the stick”, having the Resolution but not implementing it.
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| Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu |
The Prime Minister requested that in the coming time, there should be scientific and technological guidance appropriate to the climate change situation in the Mekong Delta, thereby raising the issue of restructuring the agricultural sector and sectors related to sustainable regional development, for the sake of humanity and improving people's living standards.
Along with that, it is necessary to clarify the issue of resources for the development of the Mekong Delta. In addition to the State budget and ODA capital, it is necessary to socialize according to the public-private partnership (PPP) model, mobilizing all types of enterprises. Timely supplement resources for development of the Mekong Delta in the medium-term reserve capital from now until 2020. Focus on developing infrastructure, especially irrigation and transport infrastructure...
The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Finance to consider the establishment of a fund for investment in the development of the Mekong Delta region in accordance with current regulations; and to study and propose the establishment of a steering agency to implement the Resolution.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister agreed with the proposal of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to organize the "2019 Mekong Delta Forum: From Policy to Implementation", thereby accelerating the implementation of Resolution 120. The Prime Minister requested a specific report, stating the work that has been done, emphasizing the existing problems and shortcomings, especially the upcoming solutions; assigning specific tasks, including direction and resources for implementation. Along with that, there must be specific activities before the conference, especially ministries and branches need to seriously implement the tasks assigned in the Resolution.
The Prime Minister suggested considering holding the Forum before May 20, inviting international experts and representatives from countries with experience in responding to climate change and rising sea levels such as the Netherlands.
