Resolution No. 13/2003/NQ-CP of the Government at the regular meeting in October 2003

RESOLUTION

SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS NUMBER 13/2003/NQ-CP ON NOVEMBER 5, 2003 REGULAR MEETING IN OCTOBER 2003

On October 31, 2003, the Council of Ministers held its regular monthly meeting in October, discussed and adopted the following issues::

1. The Council of Ministers heard the Minister of Planning and Investment present the Report on the Assessment of Three Years of Implementation of the Task of Economic and Social Development for the Five-Year Period (2001-2005).

During the three years (2001-2003), despite many difficulties and complexities in both domestic and international economic conditions, the national economy maintained a relatively high growth rate, with each year surpassing the previous one. The economic structure shifted positively, the quality of growth improved significantly, and initial advantages of each region, sector, and the country were leveraged. Main balances in the economy were maintained; inflation was controlled at a low level, and the value of the currency remained relatively stable. Budget revenue exceeded the plan; budget spending on investment development, education, healthcare, and poverty reduction increased. Infrastructure and social facilities were strengthened; material and cultural living standards of the population improved; political and social stability was maintained; and national defense and security were secured.

However, the scale of economic development over the past few years was still small, competitiveness was low, structural transformation was slow and not firmly established; planning work had many shortcomings; resources of the economy were not fully exploited, usage was not highly effective, and there were instances of scattered investment, waste, and loss; construction arrears were not resolved conclusively. Administrative reform was carried out slowly. Some social issues were still pressing, including the quality of education; bureaucratic practices, corruption, and social evils had not decreased; traffic accidents had decreased but were not yet stable.

The Council of Ministers noted that although there were still some shortcomings and some targets might not be met, over the past three years, we have created a material foundation, infrastructure, and financial system oriented towards reform. The achievements made, especially economic growth linked with poverty reduction, were significant, reflecting the efforts of all levels, sectors, and the people nationwide under the leadership of the Party and the resolute guidance of the Government. The report should clearly reflect innovative measures and specific policies implemented effectively over the past three years, summarize lessons learned, and identify weaknesses while proposing more vigorous solutions for future implementation to strive for the completion of set goals.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment is tasked to lead, coordinate with the Office of the Government and related agencies, incorporate opinions from Council members, finalize the report; submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and then to the Politburo.

2. The Council of Ministers heard the Minister of Trade present the draft Ordinance on Anti-Dumping Measures for Imported Goods into Vietnam; and heard the Chairman of the Government Office report on the synthesis of opinions from Council members regarding the aforementioned draft Ordinance.

Our country's management mechanism for import and export has been increasingly simplified and long-term oriented to facilitate businesses and align with international practices. Non-tariff barriers are gradually being replaced by import tariffs. Our policy of market opening has met the demand for expanding trade with other countries. However, alongside positive aspects, there are also negative impacts due to unfair competition through pricing, affecting domestic production. Therefore, issuing the Ordinance on Anti-Dumping is necessary to create a legal framework to limit negative impacts caused by dumping.

The Ministry of Trade is tasked to lead, coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Government, and related agencies to incorporate opinions from Council members, finalize the draft Ordinance; the Minister of Trade is authorized by the Prime Minister to submit this draft Ordinance to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

3. Regarding the results of preparatory work for the organization of the 22nd Southeast Asian Games (SEAGAMES 22) in recent times and key tasks for the near future, the Council of Ministers reviewed the report presented by the Minister and Chairman of the Sports Management Committee.

In recent times, ministries, sectors, and localities have actively coordinated with the Organizing Committee of the 22nd SEAGAMES to implement comprehensive and urgent preparatory work. To date, most key preparatory tasks for the 22nd SEAGAMES have been completed on schedule. Successfully organizing the 22nd SEAGAMES is of great significance, contributing to enhancing our country's position in the region and globally. The time to prepare for the opening ceremony of the 22nd SEAGAMES is approaching, and the preparatory work requires urgent attention.

The Sports Management Committee is tasked to lead, coordinate with the Organizing Committee of the 22nd SEAGAMES, relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to urgently complete preparatory work for the organization of the 22nd SEAGAMES according to schedule; strengthen publicity and mobilize the active participation of the broad masses of the people to successfully organize the largest regional sports event ever hosted by our country.

4. Regarding inspection work and handling complaints and petitions in the third quarter of 2003, the Council of Ministers reviewed the report presented by the State Inspector General.

In the third quarter of 2003, the number of citizen complaints showed a downward trend and became less intense. Many cases were resolved conclusively by various levels and sectors. The State Inspectorate, within its authority, conducted inspections, verified, discovered, and resolved many important cases. However, overlapping letters and complaints, repeated appeals and complaints beyond jurisdiction, anonymous letters, and unclear addresses still accounted for a considerable proportion.

The Government requests that ministries, sectors, and localities continue to focus on examining, verifying, and resolving conclusively pending complaints and denunciations; strengthen public reception work; and continue to effectively implement the inspection plan number 05/KH-TW dated September 10, 2003, of the Politburo regarding investment construction, land management, and utilization.

5. Regarding the report on the implementation of the socio-economic development plan for October and the first ten months of 2003, the Government has reviewed the report presented by the Minister of Planning and Investment.

In October and the first ten months of 2003, the national economy had to face many difficulties and challenges but still maintained its growth rate. Export turnover continued to increase, while the trade deficit showed a decreasing trend; development investment capital was mobilized fairly well, with many projects being expedited, especially key projects and those serving the 22nd Southeast Asian Games. State budget revenue continued to rise, basically ensuring expenditures; market prices remained stable. Social sectors such as culture, education, healthcare, poverty reduction... all made progress; traffic congestion and traffic accidents decreased.

To successfully complete the socio-economic development plan for 2003, the Government requests that ministries, sectors, and localities continue to boost production, expand markets both domestically and internationally, and address product consumption issues well; actively seek solutions to reduce production costs, accelerate the progress of basic construction projects, particularly those with large investment amounts; concentrate on completing material preparations, athlete forces, service forces for the 22nd Southeast Asian Games, and organize the 22nd Southeast Asian Games well; proactively prevent, combat, and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters, especially in central provinces and the Mekong Delta region.