Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP On Main Measures to Guide and Implement the Plan for Economic and Social Development and State Budget Estimate for 2009

RESOLUTION

On Main Solutions for Directing and Managing the Implementation of the Plan for Economic and Social Development and State Budget Estimate for 2009

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In 2009, the national economy continues to face many difficulties and challenges, requiring the efforts and hard work of all levels, sectors, enterprises, and the entire population to achieve the economic and social development plan and state budget estimate for 2009 in accordance with Resolution No. 30/2008/NQ-CP dated December 11, 2008 of the Government, with the main task being to concentrate all efforts to proactively prevent economic decline, promote production and business activities, boost exports, stimulate investment and consumption, ensure social welfare, and strive for an economic growth rate of approximately 6.5 percent in 2009. The Government requests that ministries, sectors, and localities focus on implementing the following key solutions for directing and managing the implementation of the economic and social development plan and state budget estimate for 2009:

A. CONCENTRATE ON REMOVING DIFFICULTIES AND OBSTACLES, PROMOTING PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, EFFECTIVELY RAISING AND USING INVESTMENT FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT, AND PREVENTING ECONOMIC DECLINE

I. REMOVING DIFFICULTIES AND OBSTACLES, PROMOTING PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, EFFECTIVELY RAISING AND USING INVESTMENT FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT

1. Ministries, agencies, and localities:

a) Implement and organize the strict and synchronized execution of the tasks stated in Resolution No. 30/2008/NQ-CP dated December 11, 2008 of the Government; take the initiative in implementing or coordinating with relevant agencies to immediately implement urgent measures to remove difficulties and provide support to promote production and business activities, enhance the competitiveness of enterprises, economic organizations, and products, and accelerate product sales.

b) Based on their assigned functions and responsibilities, issue within January 2009, within their authority, amendments and supplements to regulations that are no longer appropriate or do not meet current practical requirements, especially those concerning business registration procedures, access conditions to capital, production premises, rights and responsibilities for resolving enterprise difficulties, etc., to address production and business difficulties; at the same time, submit proposals to competent authorities for amending and supplementing contents beyond their authority.

c) Focus on allocating state budget investment funds and government bonds under the 2009 plan to projects and programs that are effective and capable of completion in 2009-2010; do not allocate funds to projects and programs lacking necessary investment procedures. Continue to review and suspend immediately projects and programs that are ineffective or not truly necessary.

d) Implement comprehensive measures to maximize the raising and effective use of investment funds. Pay special attention to mobilizing domestic and foreign private sector funds for infrastructure development; establish mechanisms and solutions for public-private partnership (PPP) investments in infrastructure.

đ) Proactively handle according to their authority difficulties and obstacles in the implementation of investment projects, while formulating specific measures to promote production and business activities and support investors seeking to expand their scale of investment to achieve rapid and convenient results; strengthen domestic and international investment promotion activities.

e) Implement comprehensive measures regarding planning, investment preparation, legal procedures in investment and construction, etc., to expedite the progress and disbursement of investment projects, particularly important investment projects and key works.

By January 2009, Ministers, Heads of agencies and units, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities shall identify and report to the Prime Minister the list of projects selected for direct award to be considered and authorized by the Prime Minister for Ministers, Heads of agencies and units, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities to decide and be responsible before the Prime Minister for accelerating project progress, ensuring quality and effectiveness.

g) Strengthen inspection and supervision, prevent loss and waste, ensure effective and lawful use of funds.

2. The Ministry of Planning and Investment:

a) Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to study and draft the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of Laws Related to Land, Investment, and Construction to report to the Government for submission to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at the fifth session of the XIIth National Assembly.

Pending the National Assembly's consideration and approval of the above Law, immediately in the first quarter of 2009, propose to the Government to amend the provisions in guiding documents for the Bidding Law, Investment Law, and Enterprise Law to promptly address difficulties faced by enterprises in production and business activities.

b) Take the lead in drafting and submitting to the Government for promulgation Decrees on the investment plan and monitoring of state capital use; Decree replacing Decree No. 88/2006/NĐ-CP dated August 29, 2006 of the Government on business registration; Decree on the formation, organization, and management of state-owned economic groups; Decree on the organization, management, and operation of enterprises serving security and defense; Decree replacing Decree No. 90/2001/NĐ-CP dated November 23, 2001 on assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises; Decree amending and supplementing Decree No. 109/2007/NĐ-CP dated June 26, 2007 on converting wholly state-owned enterprises into joint-stock companies.

c) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to advance the issuance of government bonds for the 2009 plan and according to the implementation schedule for projects approved by Decision No. 171/QĐ-TTg dated July 24, 2006 and other decisions of the Prime Minister on health and education for ministries, agencies, and localities.

d) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Vietnam to submit

đ) Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance in managing and using the central government budget reserve for proactive response to all situations, especially natural disasters, storms, floods, and epidemics.

e) Chair and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to submit to the Prime Minister in January 2009 a decision on the proportion of lottery revenue to be invested in education, healthcare, and other social welfare programs in accordance with the actual needs and conditions of localities.

g) Evaluate the implementation of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Plan for the five-year period (2006-2010) pursuant to Decision No. 236/2006/QD-TTg dated October 23, 2006.

h) Chair the research and submission to the Prime Minister of a draft amendment to regulations concerning state ownership management over wholly state-owned enterprises.

i) Chair the development of a proposal outlining the strategic direction for cooperative society development. Guide the organization of state administrative bodies for collective economy in accordance with current legal provisions and actual requirements and conditions at various levels, sectors, and localities; chair the summary and submission to the Government for amendments and supplements to support policies for collective economy.

k) Chair the research and submission to the Government and Prime Minister of necessary regulations to create a legal basis and favorable conditions to promote Vietnamese enterprises' foreign investment.

l) Coordinate with relevant agencies and localities to strengthen inspection and supervision of the implementation and compliance with regulations in projects using state capital, promptly detect, prevent, and penalize violations, enhance investment efficiency, and improve the disbursement capacity of state capital, especially government bonds.

3. Ministry of Finance:

a) By the second quarter of 2009, complete the issuance of guiding documents and organize the implementation of laws amended and promulgated and effective from 2009, such as: The Law on Corporate Income Tax, The Law on Value Added Tax, The Law on Personal Income Tax, The Law on Special Consumption Tax, The Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Article 6 of the Natural Resources Tax Ordinance.

b) Review and continue to eliminate administrative procedures that are no longer appropriate or necessary in tax management; simultaneously submit to competent authorities for immediate abolition of fees and charges collected contrary to legal provisions, prevent and immediately stop the abuse of responsibility to impose unreasonable contributions under any form.

c) Study and propose to the Government and Prime Minister financial and tax policies consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments to support businesses in enhancing production, business, and export activities.

d) Guide provincial People's Committees in utilizing lottery revenue for social welfare infrastructure investment in their locality, focusing on educational and healthcare facilities in line with actual conditions of localities.

đ) In January 2009, submit to the Prime Minister for a decision on the mechanism and source of state credit funds for investment in canal reinforcement, rural road development, aquaculture infrastructure, and village craft industry infrastructure in rural areas.

e) In January 2009, issue the Credit Guarantee Regulation for small and medium-sized enterprises.

4. The State Bank of Vietnam:

a) Direct and create conditions for commercial banks to actively participate in implementing monetary policy measures, particularly reasonable and suitable lending conditions to meet production and business needs. First, specific measures should be implemented to effectively carry out the Government's stimulus policy in 2009.

b) Direct and implement appropriate measures for credit organizations to immediately adjust their credit structure and expand access to credit for enterprises and household producers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, export-oriented enterprises, agricultural and rural enterprises, enterprises in craft villages, and enterprises producing essential consumer goods.

5. Ministry of Science and Technology:

a) Chair and coordinate with related ministries, agencies, and localities to develop the Draft Law on Metrology; coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to amend the Intellectual Property Law. Chair and coordinate with related ministries and agencies to finalize guiding documents for the implementation of the Law on Technology Transfer, the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations, and the Law on Product Quality.

b) Develop and implement the National Strategy for International Integration in the field of science and technology; reform financial mechanisms for public institutions in the field of science and technology.

c) Develop and implement the National Program for Technological Innovation; promote the development of science and technology enterprises; support enterprises investing in scientific and technological activities, equipment, and technology upgrades; build quality management systems and intellectual property development to enhance productivity, quality, competitiveness of products and goods, and environmental protection.

d) Chair and coordinate with related ministries and agencies to review and upgrade standards and technical regulations for products, goods, and services to ensure harmonization with international standards.

6. Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs:

a) Study, develop, and submit to the Government for promulgation a Decree to replace Decree No. 04/2005/NĐ-CP dated January 11, 2005 detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Labor Code regarding labor complaints and appeals.

b) Study and submit to the Government a Decree adjusting the general minimum wage and regional minimum wage for domestic enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises.

c) Coordinate with relevant agencies and localities to implement unemployment insurance policies and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Social Insurance Law.

d) Enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the National Labor Relations Committee's operations; guide the establishment of inter-ministerial organizations on labor relations to improve the quality of activities and protect the legitimate rights and interests of workers. Implement and direct the pilot testing of mechanisms and procedures for collective bargaining, negotiation, and signing of industry-wide or cluster-level collective labor agreements to summarize and develop formal mechanisms for such activities; coordinate with relevant agencies, localities, and enterprises to expand models of harmonious and healthy labor relations within enterprises.

7. The Ministry of Construction:

a) Take the lead and coordinate with related agencies and localities to draft the Decree amending and supplementing Decree No. 99/2007/ND-CP dated June 13, 2007 on the management of construction investment costs, and the Decree on contracts in construction activities.

b) In the first quarter of 2009, issue regulations guiding the establishment of Project Management Boards for construction investment projects to ensure that their operations meet the actual conditions of the sector and industry.

8. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment:

a) Draft the Government Resolution on urgent measures in state management of natural resources and the environment, to be submitted to the Government in February 2009.

b) Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to guide the implementation of legal documents related to issuing land use right certificates and attached assets, using a unified model of land use right certificate as stipulated in Article 48 of the Land Law to recognize land use rights and ownership of attached assets (including houses, other construction works, forests, and perennial orchards).

c) Continue to review, amend, and supplement legal provisions on land and environmental protection; issue or submit to competent authorities for issuance of guiding documents to ensure consistency and synchronization of the legal system.

II. STRONGLY PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIES AND ECONOMIC REGIONS IN THE DIRECTION OF IMPROVING QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS

1. Develop agriculture, rural areas, and improve farmers' living standards

a) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development:

- Take the lead in drafting and submitting to the Government the National Target Program on New Rural Development and related policies and programs to implement the Government's action plan based on the Central Resolution No. 7 on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas.

- Take the lead in drafting and submitting to the Government for promulgation the Decree on national food security; submit to the Prime Minister for issuance the Decision on developing production linkage models between households and economic entities in rural areas; on developing crop and livestock breeds; on agricultural extension work; on mechanization and post-harvest loss reduction.

- Take the lead in reviewing and issuing, within its authority or submitting to competent authorities for supplementation, planning for water conservancy, rice cultivation land use, and development planning for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and salt industry; draft the Plan for aquaculture development and fishery resource exploitation and protection until 2020; the Plan for forest conservation and development.

- Accelerate the progress of implementing the project to plant five million hectares of new forests, ensuring strict compliance with the tasks set forth in Resolution No. 73/2006/QH11 of the National Assembly, particularly the completion of protective forest planting and special-use forest planting targets to ensure environmental security and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

- Develop specific measures and timelines to encourage and create conditions for the effective implementation of the crop seed program to introduce more high-yield and quality seeds into production, meeting domestic consumption needs and export requirements, thereby minimizing losses caused to farmers by poor seed quality.

- Strengthen coordination with functional agencies and localities to inspect, monitor, detect, and promptly take measures to prevent and control plant and animal diseases.

- Take the lead and coordinate with localities to proactively prevent and mitigate natural disasters, while actively guiding affected residents to choose suitable crop and livestock varieties for production and stable livelihoods after disasters; provide sufficient water for agricultural production and daily life.

b) Ministry of Planning and Investment:

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to draft the Plan to adjust agricultural development policies in line with World Trade Organization commitments.

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to review and supplement investment regulations to encourage businesses to invest in agriculture and rural areas; mobilize and integrate various sources of investment to implement the Central Resolution No. 7 on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas.

c) The Ministry of Science and Technology:

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to draft the Plan to enhance research, application, technology transfer, and advanced techniques in agriculture and rural areas, promoting high-tech agriculture.

- Take the lead and coordinate with related agencies and localities to implement the Program to support the development of intellectual property for enterprises, focusing on supporting the establishment, exploitation, protection, and development of geographical indications for agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products and handicrafts.

d) The Ministry of Finance takes the lead and coordinates with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, submitting to the Prime Minister in the first quarter of 2009 the Pilot Plan for agricultural insurance.

đ) The State Bank of Vietnam takes the lead and coordinates with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to submit to the Government for promulgation the Decree on credit services for agricultural and rural development.

e) People's Committees at all levels:

- Proactively implement the contents of the Government's Action Plan based on the Central Resolution No. 7 on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas; promptly address or propose solutions to competent authorities for resolving issues arising during implementation to achieve effectiveness.

- Direct and proactively implement necessary measures for disaster prevention, mitigation, and response in their jurisdictions, and have contingency plans for cooperation with relevant agencies and localities to respond to disasters when needed.

2. Develop industry, construction, and urban areas:

a) Ministries, agencies, and localities shall proactively implement measures to address difficulties in order for organizations and individuals to concentrate resources to accelerate production development while improving product quality, efficiency, and competitiveness; focus on developing products with comparative advantages; develop industry and construction in conjunction with service development, urban development, and environmental protection.

b) The Ministry of Industry and Trade:

- Shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to draft and submit to the Government the Law on Rational Energy Use and Efficiency; the Decree stipulating administrative penalties in the electricity sector, replacing Decree No. 74/2003/NĐ-CP dated June 26, 2003 of the Government.

- Draft policies to encourage investment and development of key industries pursuant to Decision No. 55/2007/QĐ-TTg dated April 23, 2007 of the Prime Minister; supporting industries; agricultural processing industries and raw materials for textile, footwear, and other industries.

- Direct the enhancement of production capacity to ensure the supply of essential production needs of the economy such as electricity, coal, fertilizers, construction steel, agricultural machinery engines, and essential consumer goods.

c) The Ministry of Construction:

- Urgently complete and submit to the National Assembly the Law on Urban Planning; the Law amending and supplementing Article 126 of the Housing Law.

- Take the lead in researching, drafting, and submitting to the Government the Project on Developing the Real Estate Market; the Project on Investing in Developing Housing for Workers, Cultural Facilities, and Social Welfare Infrastructure in Concentrated Industrial Zones; the Project on Housing Policies for Target Groups.

d) The Ministry of Science and Technology:

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to implement the National Program on Technological Innovation in priority and spearhead industries; high-tech service sectors such as finance, banking, postal services, telecommunications, and aviation.

- Draft and implement the National Program on Promoting Productivity and Quality to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises.

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to research the development of advanced, super-durable, lightweight, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly materials.

đ) The Ministry of Planning and Investment:

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Construction to inspect and resolve issues affecting the progress of key oil and gas projects, power source projects, cement projects, etc.

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant ministries and agencies to propose mechanisms to the Government and the Prime Minister to promote investment, technological innovation, and restructuring in certain sectors such as mining, mineral processing, small and medium hydropower plants, and border economic zones.

e) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to draft and report to the Government for submission to the National Assembly the Mineral Law (amended).

3. Develop trade, services, and boost exports

a) Ministry of Industry and Trade:

- Take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and localities to draft and report to the Government for submission to the National Assembly the Consumer Protection Law.

- Review and improve the Master Plan for the Development of Trading Infrastructure, Wholesale and Retail Distribution Networks to suit new circumstances, focusing on modern, concentrated, large-scale trading formats.

- Draft programs to support enterprises in training and providing information related to policies and trade barriers of partner countries to enhance their capabilities, competitiveness, and proactive role in production and business.

- By January 2009, submit to the Government for amendments and supplements to Decree No. 55/2007/NĐ-CP dated June 19, 2007 on petroleum trading, ensuring it aligns with market developments and new regulatory requirements.

- Draft plans and implementation schedules to develop supporting industries to enhance domestic production efficiency and reduce import demand.

- Draft mechanisms and policies to boost exports of processed industrial goods with high technology content; policies to encourage the production of substitute goods for imports. Draft the Export Insurance Project.

- Leverage advantages from free trade agreements (FTAs) to link export markets with import markets through increased exports and reduced trade deficits in markets with significant trade deficits, thereby reducing the national trade deficit. Closely control imports, especially non-essential consumer goods.

- Closely monitor market fluctuations to promptly direct or recommend to the Prime Minister measures to ensure balance between supply and demand for essential goods directly impacting production and people's livelihoods such as petroleum, foodstuffs, cement, steel, fertilizers, etc.

b) The Ministry of Science and Technology:

- Improve mechanisms and policies to promote commercialization of research results and expand technology markets. Vigorously develop science and technology services in standardization, intellectual property, consulting, valuation, and technology transfer.

- Support the strengthening of the capacity and effectiveness of technology application and transfer centers in provinces and centrally-administered cities.

c) The State Bank of Vietnam shall lead monetary policy and exchange rate management consistent with the stimulus for investment, consumption, and export promotion.

d) The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to closely monitor and evaluate trade and service activities and export-import balances; promptly propose solutions to the Government to promote trade and service development and exports.

đ) The Ministry of Information and Communications shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to draft the Telecommunications Law, the Radio Frequency Law, and the Postal Services Law.

e) The Ministry of Transport shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to accelerate the progress of implementing road, railway, maritime, inland waterway, air transport projects, with particular emphasis on accelerating the progress of building international-standard port systems, container transshipment ports, expressways, etc.

4. Developing regional economies and marine economy

a) The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall take the lead:

- To develop comprehensive plans for the socio-economic development of the Northern Midland and Mountainous Region; the Red River Delta; the North Central Coast and South Central Coast; the Central Highlands; the Southeast Region; the Mekong River Delta; planning for the development of Vietnamese sea islands; reviewing plans for industrial park development; and planning for golf course development nationwide until 2020.

- To establish mechanisms for investment in developing coastal economic and social infrastructure.

b) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment:

- To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to continue implementing the overall program on basic surveys and management of marine resources and environment until 2010, with a vision to 2020.

- To compile a list, aggregate reserves, and resources of mines that have been surveyed, evaluated, and explored using state budget funds; to take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to propose pricing methods for mineral resources and mechanisms for recovering state budget capital when mining operations commence, and to report to the Prime Minister.

- To take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Ministry of Finance to develop a pilot mechanism for bidding on mine exploitation.

- To develop and submit to the Government a proposal for effectively exploiting the economic benefits of Vietnam's territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, and continental shelf, closely linked to national sovereignty protection.

c) Ministries, agencies, and localities shall organize the implementation of the comprehensive strategy for marine economic development with focus areas according to the spirit of Resolution No. 4 (Session X) of the Central Committee; to develop and submit to the Government.

B. STABILIZING MACROECONOMIC STABILITY AND PREVENTING INFLATION

1. State Bank of Vietnam:

a) To prudently and flexibly manage monetary policy to effectively implement the five groups of solutions outlined by the Government in Resolution No. 30/2008/NQ-CP dated December 11, 2008, striving to achieve the top priority goal of preventing economic downturns, promoting production and business activities, expanding investment, stimulating production and consumption, and contributing to inflation control. Continue to adjust interest rates appropriately, manage exchange rates flexibly based on market signals, encourage exports, and control imports.

b) To continue strengthening and maintaining the soundness of credit organizations' operations, properly implementing regulations on ensuring safety, risk provisions, and loan classification. Strictly adhere to regulations regarding the establishment of new banks and non-bank financial institutions.

c) To enhance the role and effectiveness of state management in the fields of money, credit, foreign exchange, with a focus on improving the monetary and banking system to meet new standards and international practices. Focus on drafting the Law on the State Bank and the Law on Credit Organizations to be submitted to the National Assembly in 2009.

d) To strengthen forecasting work on domestic and international situations, particularly financial world conditions, and implement response measures to limit adverse impacts from external crises on the domestic banking system.

đ) To build a monetary and credit information system according to international standards, ensuring timely and accurate provision of domestic monetary developments.

e) To strengthen supervision over credit organizations' activities; to closely monitor debt situations within credit organizations to proactively address issues promptly and ensure the stability of the banking system.

2. The Ministry of Planning and Investment:

a) To strengthen analysis and forecasting of domestic and international economic and social situations. To establish a mechanism for division of labor and coordination among ministries, agencies, and localities in providing information and forecast results to serve the formulation, implementation, and adjustment of socio-economic development plans.

b) To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to submit to the Government solutions and policies to respond to and mitigate negative impacts from global economic crises and recessions.

c) To coordinate with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the State Bank of Vietnam to implement measures to ensure macroeconomic stability in terms of budget, investment, money, credit, import-export, and international balance of payments.

3. Ministry of Finance:

a) To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to perfect and submit to the National Assembly for approval draft laws on public debt management; the State Budget Law; the Resource Tax Law; the Land and Building Tax Law; and the Law on the Use of State Capital for Business Investment.

b) To closely monitor global and domestic economic developments affecting state budget revenues. In cases where revenue decreases significantly, impacting the budget expenditure balance, to promptly report to the Government proactive measures to address the situation.

c) To implement price policies according to market mechanisms for goods priced by the state, eliminating subsidies and losses through prices. To strengthen supervision over compliance with state laws on prices and strictly handle violations.

d) To closely monitor developments in the securities market and capital markets, and to promptly implement measures to respond to any situations that arise.

4. The Ministry of Justice shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to study and complete the draft Law on Security Interest Registration.

5. Ministries, agencies, and provincial People's Committees shall strengthen research, project development, and warnings about the global economy, monitor the development of financial crises and economic recessions worldwide, learn from other countries' experiences in dealing with crisis impacts, and address economic security, energy, climate change challenges, etc., in each sector, field, and locality.

C. EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTING SOCIAL SECURITY GOALS, ENSURING THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE POPULATION, PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, AND STRONGLY PROMOTING SOCIAL ACTIVITIES IN EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, HEALTH, CULTURE, SPORTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS

1. Ministry of Education and Training:

a) To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to develop the Teachers Law project; amend and supplement certain provisions of the Education Law.

b) Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and localities to effectively implement policies supporting students in areas with difficult conditions and children of policy beneficiaries.

c) Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Vietnam, the Social Policy Bank, and localities to comprehensively evaluate the results of implementing preferential loan policies for university, college, and vocational high school students, and report on it.

d) Summarize the upgrading of colleges to universities and the establishment of new universities to ensure rationality and effectiveness between investment in infrastructure, teacher workforce, and training quality; summarize the implementation of Resolution No. 40/2000/NQ-QH10 of the National Assembly regarding reforming teaching content at secondary level; report to the Government to submit to the National Assembly during the final session in 2009.

2. The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs:

a) To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to study and develop the Persons with Disabilities Law; amend the Labor Code.

b) To take the lead in studying and developing the Decree on administrative penalties in the field of child care and protection; on child assistance policies; on child care, education, and protection; guide post-drug rehabilitation work; stipulate the application regime of placing individuals into medical facilities according to the Administrative Violations Handling Ordinance and the regime applicable to minors and voluntary entrants into medical facilities; stipulate the organization of drug rehabilitation at home and in communities and the procedures and formalities for compulsory community drug rehabilitation.

c) Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and related agencies to study and develop the Decree on adjusting pensions, social insurance benefits, and monthly allowances for retired village cadres; adjust the levels of allowances and preferential subsidies for persons with meritorious service; adjust the social allowance levels; specify scholarship, allowance, and tuition fee exemption recipients; complete the system of guiding documents for the implementation of the Law on Gender Equality.

d) Implement and guide localities in timely and fully executing policies already issued to support policy beneficiaries, poor households, near-poor households, and people in difficult regions, disaster-stricken areas, epidemic zones, low-income pensioners, and retirees.

đ) To take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance to develop and implement policies to rapidly and sustainably reduce poverty in the 61 poorest districts.

e) Study and propose the Government to promulgate and apply new poverty standards that are appropriate to income, prices, and living standards in different regions and areas.

g) Develop the vocational training system according to planning, market orientation, modernization, standardization, socialization, and regional and international integration; diversify vocational training methods and approaches suitable for trainees and production requirements.

3. The Ministry of Health:

a) To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to study and develop projects for the Population Law; the Medical Examination and Treatment Law; the Tobacco Harm Prevention Law; and the Food Safety Law.

b) Develop mechanisms and policies to mobilize all sources of capital within society to improve the quality of treatment and services at public health facilities. Accelerate the process of socializing the healthcare sector.

c) Develop human resource development policies for healthcare to meet quality and professional ethics requirements.

d) Coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to formulate policies ensuring food safety hygiene. Strengthen inspection, supervision, and auditing to promptly detect, prevent, and strictly handle violations of food safety laws.

đ) To take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to inspect, audit, and strictly handle violations of environmental laws at hospitals.

4. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism:

a) Finalize the Film Law project. To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to study and develop the Cultural Heritage Law project.

b) Develop mechanisms and policies to mobilize all sources of capital to accelerate socialization in the cultural and sports sectors.

5. The Ministry of Information and Communications:

a) To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to study and amend the Press Law project.

b) Evaluate the implementation of the Publishing Law, specifically detailing its provisions to strengthen the responsibilities of publishers and state management agencies in publishing.

6. The Ministry of Justice to take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to develop the Adoption Law project.

7. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment:

a) To take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to review and assess the implementation of environmental protection programs; propose amendments and supplements to be submitted to the Government.

b) Strengthen inspection, auditing, and coordination with related agencies and localities to promptly detect, prevent, and strictly handle violations of environmental laws.

c) To take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, related agencies, and localities to establish a system of indicators, reporting regulations, and information on natural resource and environmental protection.

d) Develop and implement a mechanism for providing specialized meteorological and hydrological data to serve economic and social sectors; promote the commercialization of meteorological and hydrological data to increase revenue for the state budget and reinvest in the meteorological and hydrological sector; consolidate and enhance the capacity of meteorological and hydrological forecasting agencies.

8. The Ministry of Planning and Investment to take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for sustainable development; policies and mechanisms to encourage investment in natural resource and environmental protection.

9. The Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate with the Vietnam Association of the Elderly to revise the Law on the Elderly.

10. Relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to coordinate with the Vietnam General Confederation of Trade Unions to develop and revise the Law on Trade Unions.

11. The Ministry of Finance shall coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs to find sources and implement support policies for poor households to improve their living standards.

12. People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities shall effectively implement policies to care for and stabilize the living conditions of local residents, minimizing the lowest possible level of spontaneous migration. Localities with a large number of spontaneous migrants need to have plans to stabilize the living conditions of spontaneous migrants. The Government shall provide financial support to stabilize the living conditions of spontaneous migrants. The Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance shall allocate funds for implementation.

D. STRENGTHENING FOREIGN ACTIVITIES, PROACTIVELY INTEGRATING INTO THE GLOBAL ECONOMY, ENHANCING OUR POSITION ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE, AND ENSURING NATIONAL DEFENSE, SECURITY, AND SOCIAL ORDER AND SAFETY.

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies:

a) Continue to deepen and stabilize international relations that have been established, expand relations with other partners to seek opportunities for cooperation in various fields, especially in seeking and expanding export markets. Vigorously develop people-to-people diplomacy. Proactively participate in the common struggle for peace, stability, equal cooperation among nations, and the legitimate rights of individuals.

b) Enhance and elevate Vietnam's role in international organizations and forums; actively and proactively increase the effectiveness of participation in the United Nations, non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, WTO, APEC, ASEM, ASEAN, and sub-regional cooperation in the Mekong region.

c) Coordinate with relevant agencies to strictly and effectively implement international commitments on trade, investment, services, and other areas. All levels, sectors, and enterprises shall base their plans on WTO commitments and economic and trade agreements bilaterally and regionally that Vietnam has joined, to seize maximum opportunities and minimize adverse impacts of integration.

d) Develop action plans to implement the overall plan for the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015; an integrated strategy suitable for the new stage of development; promote negotiations and signing of free trade agreements (FTA), cooperation and partnership agreements with key partners. Effectively implement the Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. Actively and proactively exploit the effectiveness of economic corridors, trans-Asian routes, and sub-regional cooperation programs and projects in the Mekong River Basin.

đ) Continue to effectively implement the Resolution of the Political Bureau on work with overseas Vietnamese communities. Strengthen cooperation with countries to create favorable conditions for our compatriots to live, work, study, and integrate well into the host societies; unite, support each other, preserve the fine cultural traditions of the nation, and look towards the homeland.

2. The Ministry of Justice:

a) Coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security to draft a Decree detailing and guiding the implementation of the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship (amended).

b) Prepare plans to organize the registration of retaining Vietnamese citizenship at Vietnamese representative offices abroad. Effectively implement the Law on Vietnamese Citizenship (amended), policies for Vietnamese citizens returning to Vietnam to purchase housing, teaching Vietnamese language to the community, etc.

3. The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security shall coordinate with relevant agencies and localities:

a) Improve the quality of building the whole-people national defense and security system under new circumstances; build a strong and comprehensive people's armed forces, focusing on equipping and other guaranteeing conditions. Build provinces and districts into solid defensive zones. Emphasize the combination of economy and society with national defense and security in key areas.

b) Accurately assess and timely identify situations to proactively handle effectively all scenarios, ensuring national security, social order, and safety; firmly protect independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

c) Effectively implement strategies and programs, planning, and plans on national defense, security, crime prevention, drug control, trafficking in women and children, and search and rescue operations.

d) Increase mobilization of the people and adopt appropriate measures to combat the plots of hostile forces exploiting issues related to freedom of religion, democracy, human rights, etc., to cause political and social instability.

đ) Focus on developing marine economy linked with protecting sovereignty over maritime areas, islands, and the continental shelf. Maintain border security and stability, combining the correct implementation of boundary demarcation plans with neighboring countries.

e) Enhance and improve the ability to respond to unexpected tasks arising, emergencies, natural disasters, typhoons, floods, etc.

4. The Ministry of Public Security shall coordinate with the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuracy:

a) Develop specific measures to improve the quality of investigation work and prosecution at trial sessions.

b) Timely and legally resolve criminal, civil, and administrative cases; properly address citizen complaints and denunciations to ensure social order and safety; focus on identifying the causes and conditions for the emergence of violations of law, crimes, and disputes to promptly rectify and prevent them.

5. The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and localities to draft the Draft Law on Civil Defense; the Draft Law on Military Service (amended); the Draft Law on Reserve Forces; the Ordinance on Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives, and Support Tools.

6. The Ministry of Home Affairs shall take the lead and coordinate with ministries and sectors to draft the Draft Law on Cryptographic Affairs.

7. The Ministry of Justice shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to draft guiding documents for the Implementation of the Civil Enforcement Law; coordinate with the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City to promptly establish Notary Offices for pilot socialization of civil enforcement activities; draft and submit for approval a project on the organization of enforcement agencies by regions; complete the planning of office buildings and infrastructure for enforcement agencies in accordance with Resolution No. 49-NQ/TW.

8. The Ministry of Transport shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and localities to further intensify the implementation of measures to ensure traffic order and safety, effectively addressing issues related to traffic accidents and congestion in major cities.

D. STRENGTHENING ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS, ENHANCING WORK TO PREVENT AND COMBAT CORRUPTION, AND PRACTICE ECONOMY AND AVOID WASTEFULNESS

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, and provincial People's Committees shall, within their respective functions and tasks assigned:

a) Coordinate with the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Government to develop draft laws, ordinances, and guiding documents for the implementation of laws and ordinances according to the Government’s Work Program, ensuring synchronization and timeliness in issuing legal documents.

b) Further intensify administrative reforms to achieve new qualitative progress, focusing on administrative procedures. Concentrate on building and perfecting the national database system on administrative procedures.

c) Implement the Comprehensive Review Project of the Legal System from 1976 onwards after it has been approved by the National Assembly or the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

d) Fully implement Resolution No. 04-NQ/TW dated August 21, 2006 of the Third Plenary Session of the 10th Central Committee of the Party on strengthening the Party's leadership over anti-corruption and thrift work, relevant laws, resolutions, and action programs of the Government on preventing and combating corruption, practicing economy, and avoiding wastefulness. Enhance the effectiveness of operations of Anti-Corruption Steering Committees and specialized units against corruption. Timely and strictly handle cases of violation. Emphasize the personal responsibility of heads of agencies and units from central to local levels in the struggle against corruption, practicing economy, and avoiding wastefulness.

đ) Strengthen management and supervision of income of cadres and civil servants, especially those in positions of power. Effectively implement the policy of job rotation and reassignment for cadres and civil servants.

e) Promote the people's right to mastery, closely cooperate with the Fatherland Front, social organizations, and mass media in anti-corruption and thrift work.

g) Intensify inspection, examination, investigation, and handling of negative and corrupt cases. Focus on directing and resolutely and thoroughly handling such cases in accordance with the law, publicly announcing the results of handling through mass media for discovered negative and corrupt cases. At the same time, continue to strengthen inspections in four key areas mentioned in the Government's Action Program on implementing the Law on Preventing and Combating Corruption: basic construction investment, land management and use, budget revenue and expenditure, and state asset management, linked to inspections of the performance of public duties in certain fields of public concern.

2. The Government Inspectorate shall complete the draft Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Inspection Law. Take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and localities to develop the draft Law on Petitions; submit the draft Law on Complaints to the National Assembly for approval.

3. The Ministry of Public Security shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to study and develop the Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Ordinance on Criminal Investigation Organization.

4. The Ministry of Home Affairs shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to develop draft laws on Archives and Civil Servants.

5. The Ministry of Justice:

a) Organize the effective implementation of the Law on Legislative Regulatory Documents (Amended); complete the draft Law on Criminal Record; Law on State Compensation; Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Penal Code;

b) Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to develop draft laws on Access to Information; Popularizing and Educating about Laws; coordinate with the Committee for Legal Affairs of the National Assembly to develop the Consolidated Document on Legislative Regulatory Documents; Codification of the Legal System.

c) Coordinate with the Supreme People's Procuracy to develop the draft Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Ordinance on Prosecutors of the People's Procuracy.

d) Coordinate with the Supreme People's Court to develop the draft Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Ordinance on Judges and Associate Judges of the People's Court.

E. STRENGTHENING MANAGEMENT CAPACITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION

1. Based on this Resolution and the Government’s Work Program for 2009,

2. The Government shall organize specialized meetings with localities to promptly address emerging issues during the implementation of the Resolution; at the same time, maintain monthly coordination meetings to review the implementation situation, propose measures to accelerate the implementation of the plan and state budget for 2009.

3. The Ministry of Information and Communications shall direct mass media to accurately report on the policies and guidelines of the Party and State, avoiding false information that incites unrest and causes anxiety in society.

4. The Ministry of Justice shall take the lead and coordinate with the Office of the Government to urge and inspect the development, amendment, and supplementation of legislative regulatory documents, ensuring the stipulated schedule.

5. Ministries, agencies, and provincial People's Committees shall review the implementation of this Resolution by their own ministries, agencies, and localities; report

The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall compile the results of the implementation of the Resolution, evaluate the completion level of each ministry, agency, and locality, and report to the Government at its December 2009 session./.