Resolution No. 10/CP of the Government's regular meeting in January 1997

RESOLUTION

Of the Government Resolution No. 10/CP dated January 31, 1997on the regular monthly meeting of the Government in January 1997

On February 29 and 30, 1997, the Government convened its regular monthly meeting in January to discuss the following issues:

1. The anti-crime program;

2. The plan of the Government to implement the Central Committee's Resolution No. 2 on science, technology, education, and training;

3. Opinions on the Drafts:

- Law on the State Bank of Vietnam,

- Law on Banks and Credit Institutions;

4. The economic and social situation in January 1997 and organizing the Year of the Boar (Tet);

5. The agenda for regular meetings in February and March 1997.

Based on reviewing the reports of the Heads of the Programs and opinions discussed at the meeting, the Government

DECISION:

I. Regarding the Anti-Crime Program presented by Minister of Interior Le Minh Huong:

The Government considers that crime prevention is an urgent task, and the Government needs to have an Action Plan and concentrated, synchronized guidance to meet the requirements of the entire population; however, this is a broad issue related to almost all areas of social life, therefore it requires more careful study, clarifying the scope, content, and methods of implementing the Program, identifying clear targets and key areas for focused guidance; specific and feasible measures must be proposed for each sector and level; there should be plans for coordinated action, primarily extensive propaganda and education throughout the population and military units, reaching every community and household; enhancing the management capacity of all levels of government, especially grassroots authorities, and cleansing the state apparatus to effectively serve the struggle against crime.

The Government assigns the Ministry of Interior to incorporate the opinions from the meeting, perfect the Program, and submit it for the Politburo's comments in March 1997; simultaneously, coordinate with relevant agencies to draft government documents and implementation plans for the Program, so that immediately after the Politburo's comments, the Prime Minister can issue a Decision.

In the meantime, require all government agencies and local authorities at all levels to strengthen guidance and implementation of Government Resolutions No. 05/CP and 06/CP on combating prostitution and drug abuse; Decrees No. 36/CP, 39/CP, 40/CP on traffic order and safety; Decree No. 47/CP on weapons management; Directive No. 406/TTg of the Prime Minister and the Government's decision at the December 1996 meeting (Resolution No. 05/CP, January 11, 1997) banning the production, transportation, sale, and burning of all types of fireworks; Decree No. 87/CP on strengthening the management of cultural activities and cultural services, eliminating serious social evils; at the same time, prepare conditions to implement two Ordinances on anti-corruption and thrift and anti-waste (after being approved by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly), aiming to create significant changes in social order and crime prevention.

II. Regarding the Implementation of the Central Committee's Resolutions at its Second Plenum (Eighth Term).

1. Adoption of the Government's Plan to Implement the Central Committee's Resolution No. 2 on Education and Training, Science and Technology, presented by Minister and Head of the Government Office Lai Van Cu.

To implement the above plan, require agencies assigned to lead and coordinate to proactively and urgently develop specific programs to submit to the Prime Minister and the National Assembly; require all government agencies and People's Committees at all levels to effectively organize the implementation of the Central Committee's Resolution No. 2 and state documents on science, technology, education, and training in various sectors and regions.

From the beginning of the year, the Prime Minister directs closely and guides the Ministries of Education and Training, Science, Technology, and Environment to adjust their organizational structures, allocate, and strengthen staff for policy research, inspection, and supervision departments.

In the second quarter of 1997, the Government's Organization and Cadre Department will cooperate with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Science and Education Department, and the Party's Central Organization Department to prepare for the Prime Minister to decide on establishing the National Education Council.

2. The Government heard reports from Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment Pham Gia Khien and Minister of Education and Training Tran Hong Quan on the Action Plan of their ministries to implement the Central Committee's Resolution No. 2 and presented some policy and guideline issues in the fields of science, technology, education, and training.

Require both ministries to incorporate the opinions from the meeting to develop specific programs to submit to the Government and the Prime Minister according to the schedule in the Government's Plan, quickly complete their Action Plans, and organize the implementation of tasks and measures outlined in the Plan to achieve good progress in 1997.

III. The Government discussed the Draft Law on the State Bank of Vietnam and the Draft Law on Banks and Credit Institutions presented by Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Cao Si Kiem.

These are important Draft Laws requiring careful consideration based on the summary of practical experience over ten years of renovation, six years of implementing the Banking Ordinances, and rich global experience in monetary and credit matters; therefore, the Government assigns agencies involved in drafting the Draft Laws to incorporate the opinions contributed at the meeting and base on the results of the poll to revise the Draft Laws. For important issues that have been largely agreed upon by most members of the Government but still face disagreement from other members, two options should be included in the Draft Laws to present to leadership bodies for examination and decision. During the revision process, attention should be paid to avoiding contradictions with existing legal systems and further clarifying the following contents:

- The functions and responsibilities of the Monetary Policy Council;

- The State Bank of Vietnam's temporary advance to the State budget when revenue according to the budget has not yet been collected;

- Financial income and expenditure, salaries, and bonuses of the State Bank;

- The role of the Ministry of Finance in supervising the funds and financial transactions of the State Bank and state-owned commercial banks.

- Establishing branches of the State Bank according to provinces or regions;

- Legal status of foreign bank branches in Vietnam;

- Financial management, accounting, and bookkeeping mechanisms for banks and credit organizations;

- Position and authority of the Banking Inspection in the activities of banks and credit organizations;

- Relationship between the State Bank and commercial banks;... The two Draft Laws mentioned above must be completed and submitted to the Prime Minister before February 15, 1997.

IV. The Government heard Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc report on behalf of Minister Tran Xuan Gia about the implementation of the January 1997 plan and Tet holiday organization; heard Deputy Minister of Finance Pham Van Trong report on behalf of Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung about the state budget revenue and expenditure situation in January 1997.

Economic conditions in January 1997 developed favorably with a relatively high growth rate; goods on the market were abundant, meeting people's needs before and during the Tet holiday; prices were relatively stable. However, the development in January was not sufficient to create momentum for subsequent months; notably, the state budget revenue plan, basic construction, and rice exports were low, while imports exceeded exports significantly.

To accelerate the progress of implementing plans in the early months of the year and especially during the Tet holiday, it is required that government agencies and local authorities at all levels organize the implementation of the Government's decisions regarding the 1997 plan and state budget, organize a joyful, healthy, and frugal Tet holiday.

The Ministry of Trade must closely coordinate with the Ministry of Finance, General Department of Customs, and related agencies at central and local levels to strengthen market management, combat smuggling and tax evasion, and counterfeit goods production; increase state budget revenue; implement measures to adjust import tariffs, limit deferred payment imports,... to control the trade deficit; closely coordinate between domestic production and consumption and import-export activities, balance money and goods, and prevent price fluctuations before and after the Tet holiday. Government agencies and People's Committees at all levels must complete the allocation of basic construction plans for grassroots units immediately in February 1997; the Finance and Banking sectors must timely transfer capital according to the construction schedule; simultaneously, there should be a plan to use the Investment Support Fund to support effective businesses facing capital difficulties.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development must cooperate with relevant agencies and local People's Committees to accurately grasp the areas of food shortage, encourage mutual assistance among the people, and promptly provide relief to households suffering from severe food shortages, ensuring that no one goes without food due to lack of food during the Tet holiday; at the same time, promote short-term crop planting in the winter season, utilize funds for building water conservancy projects, transportation, afforestation,... from the central and local budgets to create jobs and income for farmers, contributing to alleviating food shortages during the lean period.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Culture and Information must cooperate with relevant departments and localities to direct the implementation of specific plans to ensure convenient travel for the people, healthy cultural activities, and the prevention of superstitious and illegal activities; promptly and strictly punish violations of the law, particularly those concerning the prohibition of producing, transporting, selling, and setting off all types of fireworks; contribute to maintaining political security and social order and safety.

V. The Government decides on the Program of regular meetings in February and March 1997 as follows:

1. The regular meeting in February will be held on February 26-27, 1997, to discuss the following issues:

- Some mechanisms for mobilizing domestic investment capital (supplementing and amending Decree No. 29/CP dated May 12, 1995; regulations on BOT investment methods: Build - Operate - Transfer within the country; mechanisms for forming and managing non-state budget investment funds; solutions to continue the shareholding reform of state-owned enterprises);

- Summarizing the work of the Government during the term of the Ninth National Assembly;

- Giving opinions on draft laws: Education Law, Anti-Drug Ordinance, Lawyer Organization Ordinance, Coast Guard Ordinance.

2. Assign the Ministries of Culture and Information, Education and Training, and Health to take the lead in preparing proposals to promote socialization in cultural, educational, and health fields; the Government's Organizational and Cadre Management Office to take the lead in preparing a proposal on administrative reform for the Third Plenum; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, State Inspectorate, and Ministry of Justice to prepare draft ordinances: International Treaty Signing and Implementation (amended), Resource Tax, Inspection to submit to the Government at the regular meeting in March.

3. Require the leading agencies to urgently prepare the proposals, widely seek opinions from relevant agencies, experts, and interested parties. The proposals must be completed and submitted to the Prime Minister ten days before the Government meeting.

This Resolution was adopted by the Government at 16:00 on January 30, 1997.