Decision No. 04/NQ-CP of the Regular Meeting of the Government in January 2015

RESOLUTION

Regular Government Meeting in January 2015

THE GOVERNMENT

Based on the Law on the Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

Pursuant to Decree No. 08/2012/NĐ-CP dated February 16, 2012 of the Government promulgating the Operational Regulations of the Government;

Based on the discussions of the members of the Government and the conclusions of the Prime Minister at the January 2015 meeting held on January 30, 2015,

RESOLUTION:

1. On the socio-economic situation in January 2015; the implementation of Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP dated January 3, 2015 of the Government on tasks and key solutions for guiding and managing the implementation of the Socio-Economic Development Plan and State Budget Estimate for 2015

The Government unanimously assesses that from the beginning of the year, ministries, sectors, and localities have thoroughly implemented the resolutions of the Party Central Committee, National Assembly, and the Government; promptly carried out the allocation of plans and state budget estimates for 2015. With the proactive and positive efforts of all levels, sectors, business communities, and the people, the socio-economic situation in January showed positive and consistent changes across most fields. Macroeconomic stability improved. Inflation was controlled, consumer price index decreased; foreign exchange rates and foreign currency markets were stable. Industrial and agricultural production developed steadily. The service sector grew significantly. Foreign direct investment (FDI), official development assistance (ODA) capital, and preferential loans achieved good results. Exports maintained growth momentum. Market confidence improved. Social welfare and social security were well implemented. Cultural, information, health, and education sectors were promoted. Administrative reform, inspection, complaint resolution, and anti-corruption efforts continued to be emphasized. National defense and security were maintained, social order and safety were ensured. Diplomatic work was further strengthened.

However, some ministries, agencies, and localities have not timely issued programs and plans to implement Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP dated January 3, 2015 of the Government. A significant number of small and medium-sized enterprises had to dissolve or go bankrupt. The living conditions of a portion of the population remain difficult. Serious fire and traffic accidents occurred in many places. Fraudulent trade practices, illegal goods, and counterfeit products continue to be complex. Meanwhile, weather and disease risks are high; global economic forecasts are unpredictable and will impact Vietnam's economy.

The Government requests ministries, agencies, and localities to make maximum efforts and demonstrate the highest determination to achieve the targets approved by the National Assembly, striving for a GDP growth rate of 6.2% and inflation control at around 5% in 2015; while preparing well for the conditions to organize the Lunar New Year (Year of the Goat) Tet 2015 warmly, joyfully, safely, and thriftily, focusing on implementing the following main tasks:

- Ministries, agencies, and localities must urgently issue programs and plans to implement and concretize Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP dated January 3, 2015 of the Government. Continue to strongly implement measures to resolve difficulties and obstacles, promote production and business development, and create real changes in 2015, especially in administrative reform and improving the business environment. Vigorously and comprehensively implement the overall restructuring plan for the economy, Directive No. 11/CT-TTg dated June 19, 2013 of the Prime Minister on certain tasks for implementing the plan over the 2013-2015 period, and the restructuring plans for industries and sectors that have been approved.

- The State Bank of Vietnam shall implement measures to promote credit growth serving production and business right from the start of the year, combined with controlling and enhancing credit quality. Strengthen supervision of credit organizations, continue effectively implementing measures to handle bad debts, aiming to reduce bad debts below 3% by the end of 2015. Firmly restructure credit organizations according to the schedule. Ensure sufficient cash supply to meet the needs of the economy, particularly before and after the Lunar New Year.

- The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall take the lead and coordinate with ministries, agencies, and localities to focus on promoting investment; actively implement measures to encourage and attract investment to mobilize social resources. Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to accelerate the disbursement of state budget funds and government bonds, seek additional matching funds for ODA programs and projects to implement according to the plan. Summarize and report on the issuance of programs and plans by ministries, agencies, and localities regarding the implementation of Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP dated January 3, 2015 of the Government at the regular Government meeting in February 2015.

- The Ministry of Finance ensures the balance of the state budget, particularly the state budget revenue plan for 2015, even in the case where world oil prices continue to decline; strictly, efficiently, and thriftily manage state budget expenditures. Strengthen inspection and supervision of compliance with price management regulations, especially for essential goods and services. Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to accelerate disbursement of state budget capital and government bonds; propose competent authorities to supplement funding from 2015 for the New Rural Development Program from the proceeds of state-owned enterprise equitization. Implement administrative reform regarding tax procedures and apply risk management mechanisms, ensuring that tax inspections and audits target high-risk taxpayers without causing undue hardship to those who comply well with tax laws; promptly and correctly process tax refund applications while publicly disclosing the processing of tax refund applications and complaints and suggestions regarding taxes. Enhance the role of the National Steering Committee 389 in combating smuggling, commercial fraud, and counterfeit goods; create favorable conditions in terms of funding, working tools, and incentive mechanisms for functional forces engaged in anti-smuggling efforts; launch nationwide campaigns to participate in preventing and combating smuggling; at the same time, emphasize the role and responsibility of state management in preventing and combating smuggling within their jurisdiction. Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and related ministries to draft and submit to the Prime Minister for issuance Directive on anti-smuggling and commercial fraud work. Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Justice and related ministries to urgently draft Resolution amending and supplementing Resolution No. 1269/2011/UBTVQH12 dated July 14, 2011 of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on environmental protection tax rates to adjust the environmental protection tax rate for gasoline and diesel, submit to the Government through expedited procedures, and have the Prime Minister submit to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

- The Ministry of Industry and Trade directs to ensure the balance between supply and demand of goods, especially essential items serving consumption during the Tet holiday, to prevent shortages and sudden price increases; coordinate with relevant agencies to strengthen market inspection and control, and strictly handle violations such as smuggling, production, and transportation of fake, substandard, and food safety-violating goods. Manage crude oil exploitation plans, propose the Prime Minister to decide on crude oil reserves under the condition of declining world crude oil prices, while reasonably adjusting retail fuel prices to reduce input costs, stimulate domestic production and consumption, and ensure harmonious interests among the state, enterprises, and consumers; enhance anti-smuggling efforts for fuel across borders. Propose appropriate electricity price adjustment schemes in line with actual conditions, while improving power generation efficiency, report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision. Take the lead and coordinate with related ministries to provide and disseminate information on the implementation timeline of signed free trade agreements; propose specific solutions and plans to leverage advantages, exploit benefits, and address weaknesses and shortcomings domestically.

- The Ministry of Transport directs the implementation of measures to organize transportation means to meet the travel needs of the people during the Tet holiday. Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to study and manage transport fare adjustments appropriately, ensuring the interests of transport businesses and service users. Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Justice to review and propose appropriate measures and sanctions for violations by transport vehicles that do not ensure safety when in operation, such as overloaded vehicles and homemade vehicles; measures to handle vehicles that have exceeded their service life to ensure traffic order and safety.

- The People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities direct relevant local agencies to regularly inspect and supervise vehicle load limits, business conditions, and transport fares within their jurisdictions. Strengthen inspection, supervision, and quality management of transportation infrastructure projects.

- The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development accelerates restructuring of the agricultural sector to tap potential and strengths and develop sustainable agriculture. Direct the development of agricultural production, especially staple foods, fruits, and vegetables, to ensure adequate supply and meet consumption needs of the people before and after the Lunar New Year. Proactively prepare response plans for weather changes, prevent and control animal and plant diseases, and curb cross-border livestock smuggling.

- The Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs takes the lead and coordinates with central ministries, sectors, mass organizations, and localities to continue implementing social welfare policies for revolutionary meritorious persons, the poor, and other policy beneficiaries during the Lunar New Year of the Goat; timely and accurately provide rice assistance. Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to guide the implementation of the policy of not retroactively collecting the difference paid monthly as preferential allowances from January 1, 2013 to May 31, 2013 for individuals affected by Agent Orange who have a reduced labor capacity below 81%, according to Decree No. 47/2012/NĐ-CP dated May 28, 2012 of the Government on preferential allowances for revolutionary meritorious persons compared to Decree No. 31/2013/NĐ-CP dated April 9, 2013 detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Preferential Treatment Law for Revolutionary Meritorious Persons. In cases where monthly allowances were paid to the above-mentioned individuals according to Decree No. 47/2012/NĐ-CP after June 1, 2013, retroactive collection will be made gradually by deducting from monthly allowances.

- The Ministry of Health shall direct the organization of medical examinations and treatments, health care for the people; strengthen preventive health work; proactively implement measures to prevent and control diseases among people; intensify inspections and audits of food safety hygiene at processing, production, and trading establishments, especially before and during the Tet holiday.

- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and localities shall direct the promotion of cultural and sports activities; enhance the quality of artistic activities serving the needs of the people during the Tet holiday; implement plans for tourism development, promoting the value and potential of cultural heritages; manage Spring festival activities ensuring civility, healthiness, and appropriateness with traditional customs; prevent and strictly handle negative manifestations at festivals and tourist sites.

- The Ministry of Education and Training shall decide on the plan for organizing the national high school graduation examination in 2015 to ensure the purpose, requirements, quality, and favorable conditions for candidates to participate in the examination, particularly those who do not have the intention to take university or college entrance exams; continue to study and evaluate to reform the national examination in subsequent years; take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to research and propose solutions to improve the effectiveness of implementing the program to teach Vietnamese to overseas Vietnamese, report to the Prime Minister.

- The Ministry of Public Security shall direct the assurance of national security and social order and safety; resolutely carry out work to combat and suppress crime; strengthen inspections of anti-smuggling, commercial fraud, fire prevention, and explosion prevention, especially in large cities, key routes, and commercial and residential areas. Direct public security units and localities to intensify traffic patrols and inspections, strictly handle violations related to traffic order and safety, particularly during the Tet holiday.

- The Ministries of National Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Public Security shall direct the monitoring of situations and develop plans to promptly address situations related to border and maritime sovereignty, especially during the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Tet holiday. The Ministry of National Defense shall direct border guard forces and coast guard to strengthen anti-smuggling operations.

- The Ministry of Information and Communications shall promptly incorporate the conclusions of the 10th Plenum (XI) into the draft Plan for the Development of the Press, complete it, and report to the Government's Central Committee for further submission to the Politburo for comments prior to issuance. Direct news agencies and press organizations to actively provide timely and accurate information and propaganda on the policies and guidelines of the Party and State, government directives and management, activities celebrating the Party and Spring, creating a spirited atmosphere from the beginning of the year; mobilize the people to unite and contribute to economic and social development goals. Ministries and agencies shall proactively provide official information, especially issues of public concern; promptly correct and strictly handle according to the law any false or inaccurate information. Coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to ensure the security of online information; take the lead in drafting a plan to promote awareness and responsibility for information security.

- Ministries, agencies, and localities shall focus on implementing tasks and solutions before, during, and after the Tet holiday according to Directive No. 36/CT-TTg dated December 22, 2014, Urgent Circular No. 2620/CĐ-TTg dated December 19, 2014, and Urgent Circular No. 115/CĐ-TTg dated January 23, 2015 of the Prime Minister; particularly the management and regulation of prices and markets to serve the consumption needs of the people; ensure social welfare, care for the material and spiritual life of the people; ensure traffic order and safety, reduce traffic accidents across all three criteria; maintain territorial integrity; ensure political security and social order and safety.

2. On the policy of exemption from import tax for goods traded by border residents

The Government agrees to continue implementing the policy of exempting import taxes and other taxes (if applicable) for goods traded by border residents to directly serve their consumption and production.

Assign the Ministry of Finance to take the lead, coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to review and propose amendments to the policy of exempting import taxes for goods traded by border residents towards reducing the number of times exempted in a month, adjusting the list of goods exchanged and sold by border residents that are exempted from tax to be appropriate to each period and region, ensuring constitutionality and compliance with international commitments of Vietnam related to border trade; while strengthening supervision and strict management, preventing the abuse of the policy to evade taxes; collect taxes fully for goods not directly serving the consumption and production of border residents; draft a Decision to amend and supplement Decision No. 254/2006/QĐ-TTg dated November 7, 2006 on managing cross-border trade activities with neighboring countries, report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision.

3. Regarding the draft Decree on the system and policies for cadres who do not meet the age requirement for re-election or reappointment to positions or titles within the term of office in Party and State agencies, political and social organizations

Assign the Ministry of Home Affairs to take the lead, coordinate with the Ministries of Finance, Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Justice, the Government Office, and related agencies to incorporate the opinions of government members, finalize the draft Decree, submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and signature before February 10, 2015, maintaining the stability of systems and policies still suitable for reality as stipulated in Decree No. 67/2010/NĐ-CP dated June 15, 2010; while amending and supplementing regulations on systems and policies in accordance with Directive No. 36-CT/TW dated May 30, 2014 of the Politburo and Conclusion No. 64-KL/TW dated May 28, 2013 of the 7th Plenum of the 11th Congress.

4. On policies to attract and develop cadres from outstanding graduates and young scientific cadres for the period 2015-2020

The Ministry of Home Affairs shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, the Government Office, relevant ministries and agencies to collect opinions of government members, draft the Government's Decree on attracting and developing cadres from outstanding graduates and young scientific cadres for the period 2015-2020, including provisions on attraction policies within the Government's authority. At the same time, review and report to the Government to submit to the National Assembly for consideration and amendment of relevant Laws.

5. On piloting specialized inspection of food safety at district (county) level and ward (commune) level in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

The Government agrees with the proposal of the Ministry of Health to pilot the implementation of specialized inspection of food safety at the district and ward levels based on the current staffing at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in 2015:

- Civil servants and officials performing the function of specialized inspection of food safety at the district and ward levels have the authority to handle administrative violations related to food safety; they will be provided with specific uniforms and enjoy benefits similar to those of specialized inspectors.

- The budget for the operation of specialized inspection of food safety at the district and ward levels shall be guaranteed by the local budget. Revenue from fines for administrative violations related to food safety shall be retained at 100% to fund food safety activities at the district and ward levels.

The Ministry of Health shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry and Trade, Justice, Home Affairs, and the Government Inspectorate, as well as relevant agencies, to draft the Decision on piloting the implementation of specialized inspection of food safety at the district, county, township, commune, and ward levels in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to be submitted to the Prime Minister for issuance in February 2015. Based on the pilot implementation, the Ministry of Health shall organize a summary, evaluation, and propose specific policies.

6. On methadone treatment for drug addicts under prison management

The Government agrees to apply the methadone treatment pilot program for drug addicts under the management of the Ministry of Public Security:

- The Ministry of Health shall guide, support, and provide methadone for treatment. The Ministry of Finance shall ensure sufficient funding for implementation.

- The Ministry of Public Security shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to develop specific plans to implement the methadone treatment pilot program for prisoners who are opiate drug addicts under prison management before completing their sentences from 3 to 6 months; report to the Prime Minister on the results of the pilot implementation by the end of 2015.

Based on the results of the pilot implementation, the Ministry of Health shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to compile, report, and propose amendments and supplements to Decree No. 96/2012/NĐ-CP dated November 15, 2012 of the Government on methadone substitution therapy for opiate addiction.

7. On the Law and Ordinance Construction Program for 2016; adjustment of the Law and Ordinance Construction Program for the 13th term and 2015, and some related issues

a) The Law and Ordinance Construction Program for 2016; adjustment of the Law and Ordinance Construction Program for the 13th term and 2015 should continue to prioritize laws and ordinances that need to be amended and supplemented to ensure compliance with the 2013 Constitution; serving the goal of economic restructuring and improving the business investment environment. Ministries and agencies should actively review and carefully select truly necessary projects to include in the Program, clearly defining the scope, subjects, and objectives of each project to ensure feasibility; prioritizing projects that have been thoroughly prepared and meet requirements for socio-economic development. Adjustments to the Law and Ordinance Construction Program for the 13th term and 2015 must be strictly implemented. Ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies shall directly direct the construction of projects included in the Program to ensure quality and progress.

The Ministry of Justice shall review the proposed Law and Ordinance Construction Program to ensure continuity between the 2016 and 2017 Programs, and transition between the 13th and 14th terms of the National Assembly.

The Ministry of Justice shall take the lead and coordinate with the Government Office and relevant agencies to incorporate the opinions of government members, revise, and complete the proposed Law and Ordinance Construction Program for 2016; adjustment of the Law and Ordinance Construction Program for the 13th term and 2015, and report to the Prime Minister before submitting to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

b) Ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies shall strongly direct the drafting, submission for promulgation, and promulgation according to their authority of detailed regulations implementing laws and ordinances, effectively addressing the backlog of regulatory documents, especially timely implementation of laws and ordinances effective from January 1, 2015; enhancing coordination in drafting and promulgating detailed regulations related to multiple sectors and fields, ensuring consistency in enforcement.

c) The Ministry of Justice shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs, relevant ministries, and agencies to review and evaluate the implementation of Decree No. 55/2011/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2011 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of legal affairs organizations, and propose solutions to improve the effectiveness of legal affairs work to the Prime Minister.

8. On the Draft Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Accounting Law

The Ministry of Finance shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, the Government Office, and relevant agencies to incorporate the opinions of government members, revise, and complete the Draft Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Accounting Law, and report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision before submitting the Draft Law to the National Assembly.