Addressing the closing ceremony of the 6^th NA session in Hanoi on November 27, Mr Trong noted that Vietnam has had positive achievements in 2009 despite the adverse impact of the global economic and financial turmoil. It has averted an economic slowdown, secured reasonable economic growth, stabilised its macro economy and expanded its role and prestige in the international arena.

Given the global complications, Mr Trong said these achievements are raising public confidence in the Party’s leadership and the government’s performance during the Renewal process.

In the face of challenges and difficulties lying ahead, he pointed out that such results have not yet matched the country’s development potential and there are still factors that might lead to macro-economic instability.

In 2010 a great effort should be made to achieve a higher economic growth rate than in 2009, maintain macro-economic stability, improve growth quality, prevent a return of high inflation and ensure social welfare, said Mr Trong.

He said other major tasks are to speed up international integration, increase international cooperation, maintain national defence and security, and fulfil all targets set for the 2006-2010 period.  

He said 2010 is an important year for Vietnam as it will host many important events and celebrations. These include the 1,000^th anniversary of Hanoi, the 80^th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 65^th anniversary of National Day, the 120^th anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday, and the 35^th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Unification Day. Grassroots-level Party congresses will be held in 2010 to prepare for the 11^th National Party Congress slated for January 2011. Vietnam will also be preparing for the elections of deputies to the new national legislature and local People’s Councils.

At the 6^th session, NA deputies already passed bills on the elderly, medical treatment, telecommunications, radio frequencies, militia, education (revised) and taxes on natural resources. These bills, Mr Trong said, will help strengthen State management, meet the country’s requirements for socio-economic, education and training development, and speed up the Renewal and international integration process.

The deputies also gave opinions on 11 other bills which will be discussed at the next NA session. They examined the management and use of capital and property by State corporations and economic groups, and approved a resolution to increase the quality and operational efficiency of these businesses.

Mr Trong welcomed voter opinions and recommendations concerning such pressing social issues as corruption, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, food safety and hygiene, epidemics, the government’s economic stimulus package and social welfare policies, considering them valuable contributions to national construction and development.

The deputies questioned the Prime Minister and four Cabinet members, clarifying issues raised by voters. Nine other Cabinet ministers took the floor during the question time to answer deputies’ questions. Mr Trong asked them to fulfil their commitments as soon as possible and report their results to the NA at the upcoming session.

The deputies approved a resolution to build two key national projects: the Ninh Thuan 1&2 nuclear power plants and the Lai Chai hydro-electric power plant.

Chairman Trong asked NA agencies, delegations and the deputies themselves to increase their oversight to effectively implement all bills and resolutions adopted at the 6^th session, and to strengthen their links with voters across the country.