Resolution No. 20/CP of the Government at the regular meeting in February 1997

RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION NO. 20/1997/NQ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT ON THE REGULAR MEETING IN FEBRUARY 1997 OF THE GOVERNMENT

On February 26 and 27, 1997, the Government convened its regular meeting in February 1997 to discuss and decide on the following issues:

1. Approving the draft amendment and supplementation of Decree No. 29/CP dated May 12, 1995 detailing the implementation of the Law on Encouraging Domestic Investment, presented by Minister Tran Xuan Gia. This amendment and supplementation aim to resolve difficulties within the purview of the Government's authority, ensuring that the Law on Encouraging Domestic Investment can truly be implemented, mobilizing all economic resources from various sectors to meet the requirements of the new period. Therefore, the provisions of Decree No. 29/CP that are amended and supplemented must be highly specific, clear, understandable, and immediately actionable. The Government instructs the Ministry of Planning and Investment to incorporate the opinions of Government members, finalize the draft decree, submit it for the Prime Minister's signature and promulgation before March 20, 1997, and coordinate with relevant ministries to issue guiding documents for implementation.

2. Approving the Domestic Investment Regulation under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, presented by Minister Tran Xuan Gia. The Government instructs the Ministry of Planning and Investment to incorporate the opinions of Government members, revise the regulation and the draft decree of the Government, submit them for the Prime Minister's signature and promulgation before March 20, 1997. The regulation must clearly stipulate the tender selection process, standard contract templates, related environmental and planning requirements set by the State for BOT projects, the transfer of facilities, and the agencies responsible for handling matters during the facility transfer and contract termination.

3. Considering the proposal for establishing investment funds for infrastructure development, presented by Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung. The Government instructs the Ministry of Finance to incorporate the opinions of Government members, revise the regulations on establishing urban infrastructure development investment funds and rural infrastructure development investment funds, submit them for the Prime Minister's signature and promulgation in March 1997. These regulations must meet the requirements of mobilizing more resources for infrastructure development, encouraging local authorities at all levels, especially grassroots levels, to innovate diverse forms of capital mobilization and investment methods suitable to the people's capacity and aspirations; implementing strict, transparent, and effective management and use of funds; and ensuring contributors can participate in managing and supervising the use of funds.

4. Approving the Education Law project, presented by Minister Tran Hong Quan. This project aims to institutionalize Resolution of the 2nd Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, 8th term. The Government instructs the Ministry of Education and Training to incorporate the opinions of Government members and delegates attending the meeting, revise the Law Project to submit to the National Assembly at its 11th session (9th term).

5. Approving the projects: Ordinance on Coast Guard Forces, Ordinance on Prevention and Control of Narcotics, and Ordinance on Organization of Lawyers. The Government instructs the drafting agencies to incorporate the opinions of Government members and delegates attending the meeting, complete these Ordinance Projects before March 15, 1997, to submit to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly; and prepare guiding documents for implementation.

6. The Government has reviewed the report on the socio-economic situation in February and the implementation of the socio-economic plan for 1997 by the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

In February, industrial production was estimated to increase by 13.9%, winter-spring rice had been planted on over 2.3 million hectares, up 1.4% compared to the same period last year; prices of goods and services increased by 1.8% compared to the previous month, averaging 2.6% in two months, lower than in many previous years. The Tet holiday was well organized in many aspects, goods were abundant, prices were stable, travel was convenient, cultural activities were rich and healthy, political security and social order were maintained, families receiving policy support and those facing difficulties in areas affected by typhoons and floods were given assistance. However, budget revenue was low, only reaching 50% of the same period last year in the first two months; basic construction fund disbursement was slow; exports increased more slowly than imports; implementation of foreign investment projects after licensing remained sluggish.

The Government urges relevant government agencies and People's Committees at all levels to urgently complete the allocation of plans for 1997; focus on resolving difficulties for enterprises, overcoming weaknesses and stagnation in the first two months of 1997; direct efforts to boost production, exports, basic construction, and budget revenue; review the volume of completed basic construction in 1996 to accelerate payment progress; continue closely monitoring market prices and exchange rates to take appropriate measures to stabilize the socio-economic situation and curb inflation; care for people's livelihoods, especially households facing difficulties in areas affected by typhoons and floods and during lean periods.

7. Requesting ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies to base their work programs for 1997 and assigned projects in Appendices 2 and 3 (Circular No. 46/TH-m dated February 18, 1997 of the Government Office), to prepare proposals for submission to the Government and the Prime Minister according to prescribed procedures and deadlines.

To allow time for Government members to attend the 11th session of the 9th National Assembly, the Government will not convene a plenary session in March 1997. The Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Ministers) will directly handle matters within the scope of the regular March meeting. Issues requiring collective Government decisions will be resolved through individual opinion solicitation forms sent to each Government member by the Government Office.

This resolution was adopted by the Government at 16:00 on February 27, 1997, and took effect upon issuance.