Decision No. 07/2007/NQ-CP of the Government's regular monthly meeting in January 2007

RESOLUTION

Regular Government Meeting in January 2007
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On January 30 and 31, 2007, the Government convened its regular monthly meeting to discuss and adopt the following issues:

1. The Government heard the Ministry of Finance's presentation on the draft Decree on converting state-owned enterprises with 100% state capital into joint-stock companies, replacing Decree No. 187/2004/NĐ-CP; and listened to the Minister, Head of the Government Office's report summarizing the opinions of Government members on the draft Decree.

Decree No. 187/2004/NĐ-CP has had a positive impact on the process of equitization of state-owned enterprises over the years. Determining the value of enterprises during the equitization process ensures transparency, market alignment, shortens timeframes, and addresses closed-loop practices. After equitization, enterprises have diversified sources of capital for production stability, investment to enhance competitiveness, operate effectively, and increase income for workers. However, Decree No. 187/2004/NĐ-CP has revealed some shortcomings that need to be supplemented and amended to suit new circumstances and meet the requirements of economic development after Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Ministry of Finance is tasked to lead, coordinate with the Government Office to incorporate the opinions of Government members, finalize the draft Decree, and submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and issuance.

2. The Government heard the Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs' presentation on the draft Decree on policies for surplus labor due to restructuring of state-owned enterprises; and listened to the Minister, Head of the Government Office's report summarizing the opinions of Government members on the draft Decree.

Issuing the Government Decree on policies for surplus labor due to restructuring of state-owned enterprises to replace Decree No. 41/2002/NĐ-CP dated April 11, 2002 is necessary to create a legal basis and stabilize funding for resolving surplus labor, thereby accelerating the equitization, restructuring, reform, development, and improvement of the operational efficiency of state-owned enterprises. At the same time, it ensures policies for workers.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs is tasked to lead, coordinate with the Government Office, the Ministry of Justice, and related agencies to incorporate the opinions of Government members, finalize the draft Decree, and submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and issuance.

The Government decides: From January 1, 2007 until the Government Decree on policies for surplus labor due to restructuring of state-owned enterprises becomes effective, continue to apply the support policy for surplus labor due to restructuring of state-owned enterprises as stipulated in Decree No. 41/2002/NĐ-CP dated April 11, 2002 and amended by Decree No. 155/2004/NĐ-CP dated August 10, 2004 for state-owned enterprises undergoing ownership conversion, dissolution, bankruptcy, and transformation into limited liability companies; and state-owned farms undergoing restructuring pursuant to Resolution No. 28/NQ-TW dated June 16, 2003 of the Politburo (Term IX) on continuing to restructure, reform, and develop state-owned farms and forestry enterprises.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is tasked to lead, coordinate with the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance to study and submit to the Government in the first quarter of 2007 the policy on reducing staff establishments for administrative agencies and public institutions.

The Government decides: From January 1, 2007, continue implementing the policy stipulated in Resolution No. 16/2000/NQ-CP dated October 18, 2000 of the Government on reducing staff establishments in administrative agencies and public institutions, and Resolution No. 09/2003/NQ-CP dated July 28, 2003 of the Government amending and supplementing Resolution No. 16/2000/NQ-CP for positions such as board members, general managers, deputy general managers, directors, deputy directors, chief accountants, and members of the Supervisory Board at restructured enterprises who no longer work at those enterprises or in the state sector until new regulations are issued by the Government.

3. The Government heard the Minister of Commerce's presentation on the draft Action Program of the Government to implement the Resolution of the Fourth Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (Term X) on major policies for rapid and sustainable economic development when Vietnam is a member of the WTO.

The Ministry of Commerce is tasked to lead, coordinate with the Government Office and related agencies to incorporate the opinions of Government members, finalize the Action Program and the draft Resolution of the Government, and submit them to the Prime Minister for consideration and issuance.

4. The Government heard the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment's presentation on the draft Resolution of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on the limit of land use rights transfer for households and individuals for agricultural purposes.

Specifying the limit of land use rights transfer for households and individuals for agricultural purposes aims to concretize the Resolution of the Seventh Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (Term IX) on continuing to reform land policies and laws in the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization; maximize the effectiveness, potential, and resources of land for economic and social development; gradually create favorable conditions for the structural adjustment of the economy, the development of industry and services, and the redistribution of labor in rural areas and agriculture. At the same time, it limits excessive concentration of farmland, ensuring sustainable and stable socio-political development in rural areas.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is tasked to lead, coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Government Office, the Ministry of Justice, and related agencies to incorporate the opinions of Government members, finalize the draft Resolution. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment is authorized by the Prime Minister to submit this draft Resolution to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

5. The Government reviewed and agreed with the proposal to grant a holiday on the day of the Hung Kings Commemoration Festival (the 10th day of the third lunar month) presented by the Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs shall take the lead, in coordination with the Government Office, the Ministry of Justice, and relevant agencies, to finalize the report and draft Resolution of the National Assembly on this issue. The Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs shall submit this draft Resolution to the National Assembly on behalf of the Prime Minister.

6. The Government shall listen to the Ministry of Public Security's presentation on the Draft Law on Pardon; and hear the Deputy Head of the Government Office's report on the consolidated opinions of the Government members regarding the Draft Law on Pardon.

The Ministry of Public Security shall take the lead, in coordination with the Government Office, the Ministry of Justice, and relevant agencies, to incorporate the opinions of the Government members and finalize the Draft Law on Pardon; the Minister of Public Security shall submit this draft law to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on behalf of the Prime Minister.

7. The Government shall listen to the Deputy Head of the Government Office's report on the consolidated opinions of the Government members regarding the draft Decree stipulating administrative penalties in the national reserve sector.

The Government agrees to approve and entrust the Ministry of Finance to take the lead, in coordination with the Government Office, to incorporate the opinions of the Government members, finalize the draft Decree, and submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision to promulish.

8. The Government shall consider the Report on inspection work and complaints and denunciations resolution in 2006 presented by the Chief Inspector General; the Report on economic and social situation in January 2007 presented by the Minister of Planning and Investment; and the Report on trade situation in January 2007 presented by the Minister of Trade.

In 2006, inspection work and complaints and denunciations resolution saw significant positive changes, many inspection cases were conducted comprehensively and concluded clearly, with strict handling. Complex complaints involving large groups of people and exceeding jurisdiction levels were resolved through coordinated efforts, contributing to social stability, especially during the time of Party Congresses at all levels and the APEC 14 Conference. In 2007, it is necessary to focus on inspecting the use of capital in major projects and key works; implementation and use of land planning; compliance with tax policies and laws, management and use of the state budget... to create positive changes in anti-corruption work, thrift, and waste prevention; resolve complex complaints fundamentally; organize well the reception of citizens and handle promptly to limit mass complaints and appeals beyond jurisdiction to the central level, contributing to ensuring political security, public order, and social safety, especially during the time of the election of National Assembly deputies for the XIIth term.

In January 2007, industrial production continued to achieve high growth rates. Despite facing many difficulties such as dry weather, avian influenza, and the recurrence of foot-and-mouth disease in some localities, agricultural, forestry, and fisheries production remained stable. Domestic retail sales of goods and service revenue, total foreign trade turnover reached a good level, with lower import surplus compared to the same period. Tourism activities, passenger and cargo transportation services, postal and telecommunications services met societal needs. Official Development Assistance (ODA) and foreign direct investment continued to increase. State budget revenues met the requirements for regular spending, development investment, debt repayment, and social policy implementation. Financial and monetary markets remained stable. Health care and protection for the people, timely emergency treatment and medical care were organized. Educational, cultural, physical education, and sports activities showed positive changes.

However, market price fluctuations, drought conditions, avian influenza, and the recurrence of foot-and-mouth disease have not been fully controlled; traffic safety continues to be complicated, presenting significant challenges that need to be addressed.

To ensure the successful completion of tasks in 2007, comprehensive and synchronized implementation of all aspects of work must be carried out, with a focus on enhancing the growth rate of the economy, effectively reforming administrative procedures, combating corruption, and striving to achieve the set socio-economic goals.

The Government requests that ministries, sectors, localities, and economic units quickly complete the annual plan allocation to grassroots units from the beginning of the year. At the same time, they should urgently develop and implement the plan to implement Resolution No. 03/2007/NQ-CP dated January 19, 2007 of the Government on key measures to guide and manage the implementation of the socio-economic plan and state budget for 2007 of their respective ministries, sectors, localities, and units.

Focus on directing the effective implementation of Directive No. 38/2006/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister on urgent measures to prevent and control drought, protect agricultural production; prevent, control, block, and contain the spread of avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease in livestock. Early implementation of national programs and targets to eliminate poverty and reduce poverty; programs and proposals on support policies for production and living conditions in particularly difficult communes, mountainous areas, and ethnic minority regions. Accelerate the progress of large projects to meet the needs of socio-economic development; review and inspect investment projects to avoid scattered and inefficient resource allocation. The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall take the lead, in coordination with relevant ministries and sectors, to proactively propose mechanisms and policies to mobilize domestic and foreign business investments into large-scale projects. Strictly control the stock market to prevent negative practices.

Administrative reform work must be identified as a key task by ministries, sectors, and localities. Streamline administrative procedures towards serving the people and businesses and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy. Ministries, sectors, and localities must urgently review and immediately remove cumbersome procedures. Each month, ministries and sectors must report on administrative reform, detailing achievements, unachieved goals, and reasons, to the Prime Minister. The Ministry of Home Affairs will report monthly on the results of administrative reform at regular government meetings.

Regarding anti-corruption work, the Government requests ministries, sectors, and localities to promptly submit to the Government for issuance of guiding documents to implement the Law on Prevention and Control of Corruption according to their functions; proactively inspect and resolve issues that have been discovered and reported in accordance with the provisions of the law, with full evidence, to prevent wrongful convictions or the escape of offenders, and publicly announce the results of handling. Monthly, the Office of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption shall report the results of its work to the Government.

To prepare for the Year of the Pig Tet holiday, ministries, sectors, and localities need to strictly direct food safety inspection and supervision work; prevention and control of diseases and food poisoning. Combat speculation, smuggling, and fake goods to control prices and stabilize the market; prepare well the conditions to meet the demand for goods, travel, and cultural, sports, entertainment, and tourism activities so that domestic people and overseas compatriots can return home to celebrate Tet and enjoy the spring festival economically and safely. In particular, take care of organizing Tet for policy families, those who have rendered service, poor households, social groups; ethnic minorities in remote areas and those affected by natural disasters. Strictly direct the implementation of the Law on Thrift and Combating Wastefulness; ensure national security, social order, public safety, and minimize traffic accidents.