Decision No. 11/2002/NQ-CP of the Government's regular meeting in September 2002.

RESOLUTION

The regular session of the Government number 11/2002/NQ-CP on October 4, 2002 for September 2002

year 2002 month September 2002

On September 30 and October 1, 2002, the Government convened its regular monthly session for September 2002 to discuss and adopt the following issues::

1. The Government heard the Minister of Planning and Investment's report on the implementation of the plan for 2002 and the development plan for 2003; the Minister of Finance's report on the final settlement of the state budget for 2001, the implementation of state budget tasks for 2002, and the draft state budget for 2003.

In 2002, the national economy continuously faced significant difficulties, natural disasters occurred in many places, causing substantial damage to production and people's livelihoods, foreign direct investment continued to decline, exports were challenging, export prices had not improved... In this context, the Government directed resolutely and flexibly, focused on resolving bottlenecks, implemented many specific measures, leveraged internal resources, proactively responded, mitigated the consequences of natural disasters, promoted production, boosted exports, resolved pressing social issues... As a result, there were many positive changes in economic and social conditions, maintaining economic growth rates. The GDP growth rate reached approximately 6.9-7%. Main indicators for economic and social development in 2002 were basically completed as forecasted. Development capital sources, especially private sector investment, were well mobilized. Industrial production continued to maintain high growth rates. Agricultural production initially showed structural shifts in crop and livestock structures, particularly rapid development in aquaculture. State revenue was satisfactory, estimated to increase by about 8.7% compared to 2001, with budget deficit within permissible levels. Monetary activities fundamentally met the needs of the economy and controlled inflation. Price indices improved and stabilized. Political, security, and defense situations were maintained.

In 2003, our country will further integrate into the global and regional economies, facing heavy challenges, especially under conditions where competitive capacity and economic efficiency remain low, and the world situation still harbors instability risks. This is also the third year implementing the Ninth National Party Congress Resolution and the National Assembly's Resolution X on five-year socio-economic development from 2001 to 2005, which is crucial for achieving the five-year plan goals. Therefore, extraordinary efforts are required, with breakthroughs in mechanisms and policies, comprehensive and fundamental reforms in management and operation to shift the economic structure, enhance efficiency and competitiveness, promote rapid and sustainable economic growth, actively integrate into the international economy, and effectively implement the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) commitment schedule.

The 2003 plan needs to focus on implementing the main objectives of:

- Continuing to maintain the ability to develop the economy at a high and sustainable pace; shifting strongly towards economic structure, labor structure, and investment structure to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the economy.

- Mobilizing all resources, managing and using investment capital efficiently, significantly reducing production costs, aiming for a qualitative leap in development.

- Effectively implementing commitments and integration schedules into the international economy; promoting exports while fully exploiting the domestic market.

- Improving the quality of education and training; accelerating the application of scientific and technological achievements in economic and social activities; continuing to implement poverty reduction programs, improving people's living standards; addressing urgent social issues; maintaining national security and social stability.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance are tasked to work together with relevant agencies to incorporate the opinions of government members, finalize the report on the assessment of the implementation of tasks and plans for 2002 and the socio-economic development plan for 2003, submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision, and then present it to the National Assembly during its second session of the Eleventh National Assembly.

The Minister of Finance is tasked to represent the Government and, on behalf of the Prime Minister, submit the report on the final settlement of the state budget for 2001 to the National Assembly.

2. The Government heard the Chairman of the State Project Appraisal Council for the Son La Hydropower Project report additional information on the Son La Hydropower Project.

The Son La Hydropower Project is a large-scale project with significant impacts on various aspects of the socio-economic environment. The requirements for the construction plan are: ensuring absolute safety for downstream areas and the capital city of Hanoi; achieving comprehensive economic efficiency; ensuring national defense and security in the Northwest region; minimizing negative environmental, ecological, and biodiversity impacts; protecting and enhancing the value of ethnic cultural heritage.

The Government agrees with the State Project Appraisal Council's recommendation to choose the three-stage cascade development plan for the Red River, with the Son La Hydropower Project (Pa Vinh route) having a normal water level of 215 meters. Regarding the overall resettlement planning for the Son La Hydropower Project, it must be linked to production planning, economic restructuring, infrastructure development, and ensuring that relocated communities have better lives than their previous locations.

The State Project Appraisal Council for the Son La Hydropower Project is tasked to cooperate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry, the Government Office, and related agencies to incorporate the opinions of government members, complete the report, and submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision, then report to the Politburo and the National Assembly during its second session of the Eleventh National Assembly.

3. The Government heard the Minister of Home Affairs present the draft Decrees of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Population, Family, and Children Commission.

The Ministry of Home Affairs shall take the lead, coordinate with the Government Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Steering Committee for Administrative Reform under the Government, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, the Population, Family and Youth Commission, and relevant agencies to finalize the draft Decree and submit it for consideration and issuance by the Prime Minister in October 2002.

4. The Government has reviewed the report on the economic and social situation in September and the first nine months of 2002 presented by the Minister of Planning and Investment.

The tasks remaining in the last months of 2002 remain arduous in light of the aftermath of natural disasters and unpredictable global economic and political developments.

Ministries, sectors, and localities need to concentrate all efforts, actively and resolutely direct the successful implementation of the socio-economic development tasks for 2002, especially the measures proposed in Resolution No. 05/2002/NQ-CP dated April 24, 2002 on certain measures to implement the socio-economic plan for 2002. In directing and managing, there must be a high focus on accelerating production and investment, particularly for important projects, seeking every means to reduce production costs, lower product prices, vigorously implement measures to boost exports; proactively prevent and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters.