Decision No. 20/NQ-CP of the Government on the regular meeting of the Government in April 2009

RESOLUTION

Regular Meeting of the Government in April 2009

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From May 4 to May 5, 2009, the Government convened its regular meeting for April 2009, discussed and adopted the following issues:

1. The Government discussed the report on the implementation of Resolution No. 16/2007/NQ-CP dated February 27, 2007, promulgating the Action Program of the Government to implement the Resolution of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 10th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam on major policies for rapid and sustainable economic development when Vietnam is a member of the WTO; and the report on the impact assessment two years after Vietnam's accession to the WTO presented by the Minister of Industry and Trade and the Minister of Planning and Investment.

The Government unanimously recognizes that after two years since Vietnam became a full member of the WTO, under the correct leadership of the Party, timely and specific guidance and management of the Government and localities, with the efforts of the entire political system, business community, and the whole people in implementing the Action Program of the Government to implement the Resolution of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 10th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the process of international economic integration has achieved initial positive and significant results in many aspects. In particular, the economy has maintained relatively high growth while gradually improving competitiveness, with most key economic indicators increasing more than before integration; macroeconomic stability has been controlled and maintained, creating conditions for growth; social security and national defense and security have been ensured; enterprises have made progress in the market economy and accumulated more experience in international competition... contributing to enhancing our country's position in the international arena.

However, the time is still short, and it is necessary to continue monitoring and evaluating comprehensively. On some fronts, the implementation of tasks has not met the requirements of socio-economic development during the integration process in general and the goals of the Government's Action Program in particular; the quality of growth, efficiency, and competitiveness of the economy still have many limitations; the socialist-oriented market economy system has been basically formed but is not yet complete; state management and corporate governance have not kept up with requirements; the mechanism for recognizing, assessing, and forecasting situations in the context of Vietnam deeply integrating into the world economy is still weak; socio-economic infrastructure does not meet development requirements; trained human resources are insufficient, labor productivity is low, the economy, businesses, and goods still have many weaknesses in competitiveness... These are challenges we face in integration, which require more resolute efforts.

Based on these results, the Government identifies lessons learned in guidance and management:first, it is necessary to strengthen the leadership of the Party and state management, build a nationwide solidarity bloc, create consensus and comprehensive strength of the entire nation for integration and national development;second,actively and proactively integrate while building an independent and self-reliant economy; consider internal forces as decisive, external forces as important, and use resources effectively;third, integrate into the international economy along with developing a market economy but must be accompanied by strengthening and improving the effectiveness of state management to ensure macroeconomic stability and sustainable development;fourth, develop sustainably, linking economic growth with social security, preserving national cultural identity, protecting natural resources and the environment, and maintaining national defense and security.

The Government requests ministries, sectors, and localities to continuously monitor, report, and reflect fully and accurately the situation of implementing the Action Program; continue to implement well the groups of solutions proposed to overcome the above shortcomings and weaknesses and contribute to preventing economic decline, maintaining economic growth, ensuring social security...; focus on researching more deeply to proactively address some issues raised, such as: continuing to intensify propaganda and dissemination of information about the WTO; completing the organization of state management agencies in the fields of competition, anti-subsidy, anti-dumping, trade dispute resolution, and market management; focusing on doing well the work of developing human resources.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is assigned to take the lead, coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Government Office, and related agencies to incorporate the opinions of government members, complete the report on the implementation of Resolution No. 16/2007/NQ-CP promulgating the Action Program of the Government to implement the Resolution of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 10th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, submit it to the Politburo; organize a comprehensive evaluation of the results of implementing the contents in the Government's Action Program and the ministries, sectors, and localities to promptly make necessary and appropriate adjustments in dealing with issues raised for Vietnam in the process of international integration. Ministries, sectors, and localities should review and evaluate their own implementation results and propose specific measures to continue implementing the Party's resolutions.

2. The Government heard and discussed the Drafts: on vocational training for rural labor until 2020; agricultural vocational training for rural labor in the period 2009-2015 and directions until 2020; accelerating the training of cadres and civil servants at the commune level until 2020 to serve industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas presented by the Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Minister of Home Affairs.

In recent times, the field of agricultural development, farmers, and rural areas in our country has achieved quite comprehensive accomplishments. However, the achievements made have not been commensurate with the potential and advantages, nor have they been evenly distributed among different regions; the material and spiritual living standards of rural residents remain low, and the poverty rate is high... One of the reasons for this situation is that the quality of labor in rural areas is still too low, vocational training for rural laborers has not been given due attention and has many limitations... Although it has received attention from the central government and localities and shown positive changes, facing the tasks and challenges posed by the industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas under new circumstances, the level of cadres and civil servants at the commune level still reveals many shortcomings and does not meet the requirements.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall take the lead, coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and relevant agencies, incorporate opinions from members of the Government, and promptly complete the Draft Project on Vocational Training for Rural Laborers until 2020, including promoting the training of commune-level cadres and civil servants to serve the industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas, and submit it to the Prime Minister before June 10, 2009. The project needs to clarify more details regarding the training targets; preferential policies for those learning trades and vocational training institutions; models of vocational training; clarify the roles and responsibilities of ministries, sectors, localities, and social participation...

3. The Government listens to the Minister of Home Affairs' report on the implementation of the Resolution of the National Assembly on piloting the non-establishment of People's Councils at the district, town, and ward levels.

The Government agrees that up to now, preparations have been completed and the pilot program of not establishing People's Councils at the district, town, and ward levels has begun: all related legal documents have been issued fully, providing a legal basis for localities to implement the pilot program and proceed with subsequent steps; central ministries and sectors have thoroughly guided localities on necessary contents; propaganda efforts have been emphasized, helping cadres, party members, and the public understand and support the policy of the Party and State; localities implementing the pilot program have actively and comprehensively carried out the planned contents and initial positive results have been achieved.

The Government requests central ministries and sectors to continue closely following the Plan approved by the Prime Minister, strengthen coordination in directing, urging, and guiding localities to implement necessary steps when piloting; closely monitor the situation, promptly adjust and handle issues arising during implementation; intensify propaganda and dissemination of Party and State documents, contents, steps, and outcomes of piloting the non-establishment of People's Councils at the district, town, and ward levels... Localities implementing the pilot program need to focus on personnel work for the People's Committees at the district, town, and ward levels under the condition of not establishing People's Councils, develop training plans for committee positions on their new duties and powers; regularly report progress; periodically evaluate implementation results and propose solutions for emerging issues...

4. The Government listens to the Minister of Planning and Investment's presentation of the draft Decree replacing Decree No. 90/2001/NĐ-CP dated November 23, 2001 on assistance for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises; the Minister, Head of the Government Office reports on the consolidated opinions of Government members on the draft Decree.

Decree No. 90/2001/NĐ-CP of the Government on assistance for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises serves as a legal foundation for building and implementing policies to encourage and assist development, contributing to promoting the establishment, development, and enhancing the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in the economy. In recent times, many mechanisms, policies, programs, and projects supporting small and medium-sized enterprises have been implemented, creating initial conditions for the formation of a system of small and medium-sized enterprise development agencies from the central to local levels, mobilizing specific and practical resources to assist, positively contributing to improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in the country. However, during implementation, Decree No. 90/2001/NĐ-CP has revealed some limitations that need to be studied for replacement, amendment, and supplementation to establish a robust legal framework and mechanisms and policies sufficient and more suitable for the characteristics of small and medium-sized enterprises in the country and adaptable to the process of international economic integration, especially in the agricultural and rural sectors.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall take the lead, coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, the Government Office, and relevant agencies to incorporate opinions from Government members, complete the draft Decree replacing Decree No. 90/2001/NĐ-CP dated November 23, 2001 on assistance for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and submit it to the Prime Minister for signing and promulgation; based on this Decree, promptly draft a Government Resolution on specific mechanisms and policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises, and submit it to the Government for issuance.

5. The Government listens to the Minister of Information and Communications' presentation of the Postal Law Project; the Minister, Head of the Government Office reports on the consolidated opinions of Government members on the draft Law.

In recent times, the State has issued a legal system on postal services including the Ordinance on Postal Services and Telecommunications, and Decrees stipulating postal service and delivery services, thereby contributing initially to stabilizing and developing the postal market, providing postal services to meet people's needs; creating conditions for businesses under various economic sectors to operate in a fair and transparent competitive environment, promoting their autonomy in production and business activities. However, through the implementation process, the legal system on postal services has revealed inconsistencies, overlaps, and lack of synchronization, failing to meet the development requirements of the postal market in the process of reform and economic integration of the country. Therefore, it is necessary to build and promulgate the Law on Postal Services to strengthen and improve the legal system on postal services and enhance the effectiveness of state management.

Entrust the Ministry of Information and Communications to take the lead, coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, the Government Office, and relevant agencies, to incorporate opinions from government members, finalize the draft Law on Postal Services; the Minister of Information and Communications shall submit this draft Law to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on behalf of the Prime Minister.

6. The Government discussed reports on: the socio-economic situation in April and the first four months of 2009, forecasts of domestic and global economic situations and issues requiring focused guidance; results of inspections on the implementation of Resolution No. 30/2008/NQ-CP of the Government; developments of the A/H1N1 flu epidemic; the implementation of training according to social demand; the implementation and results of Project 30 on administrative procedure reform at ministries, sectors, and localities; inspection work, complaint resolution, and anti-corruption efforts in April 2009; administrative reform work in April 2009; the implementation of the program of work in April 2009, and decisions of the Government from the March 2009 Government session presented by the Ministers of Planning and Investment, Finance, Health, Education and Training, Home Affairs, the General Inspectorate of the Government, and the Chairman of the Government Office.

The Government unanimously agrees that despite continuing to be significantly affected by the negative impacts of the global financial crisis and economic recession in April 2009, thanks to the resolute and concentrated guidance of the Government, the efforts of the entire political system, all levels, sectors, and the whole population, the socio-economic situation in April and the first four months of the year continued to show positive changes across most areas: macroeconomic stability was maintained and controlled; industrial production increased continuously over the past three months; agricultural, forestry, and fisheries production had many favorable conditions, developed steadily, and achieved relatively good results; the service sector showed significant improvements; the export value in the first four months was equivalent to the same period in 2007, which was a great effort in a difficult economic context; the domestic market improved gradually; the consumer price index in April increased reasonably by 0.35% compared to the end of 2008; state budget revenue increased at a relatively good rate; education, healthcare, and social welfare sectors achieved positive results; national defense, security, and social order were ensured...

Implementing Resolution No. 30/2008/NQ-CP on urgent measures to prevent economic decline, maintain economic growth, ensure social welfare, the Prime Minister issued many decisions to implement groups of measures to promote production and business, exports; stimulate investment and consumption; implement flexible and effective fiscal and monetary policies; ensure social welfare. The Prime Minister established government inspection teams to check and urge the implementation of Resolution No. 30/2008/NQ-CP in 63 provinces and centrally-administered cities. Generally, ministries, sectors, and localities have seriously implemented the Government's Resolution, the Prime Minister's decisions, and the guidelines of ministries and sectors. The Resolution has been warmly received by the business community and supported by different social strata, playing a positive role and contributing to achieving set goals. The Government highly appreciates the efforts of the entire political system, the business community, and the whole population in implementing policies and guidelines. However, some mechanisms, policies, and solutions have been slow to be implemented, especially in the field of basic construction investment.

Although there have been some encouraging signs recently due to the cooperation of countries in combating the global crisis, overall, the world economic situation remains difficult, not yet out of recession, and continues to negatively impact our economy in many aspects, particularly in exports, foreign direct investment, tourism...

To achieve the socio-economic development targets and indicators set for 2009, the Government requests:

- Ministries, sectors, and localities to strictly implement policies and mechanisms already issued; promptly issue guiding documents for the implementation of existing policies and mechanisms; regularly inspect and urge the implementation to timely address and resolve difficulties and obstacles, promoting production and business, exports, investment, and the implementation of mechanisms and policies ensuring social welfare, poverty reduction...

- The Ministry of Planning and Investment to compile the results of inspections at localities on the implementation of Resolution No. 30/2008/NQ-CP by Government members, and report promptly to the Prime Minister for handling in the direction: difficulties within the jurisdiction of a ministry should be transferred to that ministry for resolution; difficulties exceeding the resolution authority of ministries should be assigned to the relevant ministry to take the lead, propose to the Government and the Prime Minister for consideration and decision.

- The Ministry of Finance shall promptly review all mechanisms and policies issued within its jurisdiction to address immediately issues within the Ministry's authority; take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to promptly submit to the Government and the Prime Minister for decision on handling issues beyond the Ministry's authority; continuously monitor and timely propose solutions to ensure that the national budget deficit ratio meets the adjusted targets reported to the National Assembly.

- The State Bank of Vietnam shall continue to closely monitor and promptly develop appropriate measures regarding interest rates, exchange rates, balance of payments, and report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision; focus on directing commercial banks to effectively implement policies supporting interest rates for organizations and individuals borrowing working capital, medium and long-term investment funds for new production and business development; support interest rates for purchasing machinery, equipment, and materials serving agricultural production and construction materials for rural housing and social welfare policies...

- The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall strictly control the import of consumer goods, ensuring a balanced trade surplus, limiting excessive imports, and managing the market well, preventing and combating smuggling.

- Relevant ministries, sectors, and localities shall continue to concentrate on directing the rapid implementation of programs, projects, mechanisms, and policies on social security, particularly focusing on the poverty reduction program in 61 poor districts; constructing housing for students, workers in concentrated industrial zones, low-income residents in urban areas, and poor people in rural areas; strengthening inspections and supervision of implementation, promptly addressing and resolving difficulties and obstacles.

- The Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance shall carefully calculate the plan for issuing government bonds from 2010 to 2015 to be submitted to the Government Standing Committee for consideration and inclusion in the five-year plan for 2011-2015; develop a plan to issue additional VND 20 trillion worth of government bonds in 2009 to supplement projects and works in the list according to the Prime Minister's decisions already implemented but not fully funded, prioritizing those to be completed in 2009 and 2010; add new projects to the list of investments funded by government bonds, giving priority to student dormitory construction projects.

Sectoral management ministries shall decide on the specific list and funding allocation for each category (including projects managed by localities), coordinating with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance to develop detailed plans for additional government bond funding in 2009, promptly submitting to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision; the Ministry of Education and Training shall manage the planning phase for student dormitory construction projects; the Ministry of Construction shall direct the implementation of construction management.

- The Ministry of Health shall concentrate maximum efforts to prevent the A/H1N1 flu pandemic, developing communication and warning measures to inform the public about prevention methods; closely monitor and early detect cases of infection for isolation and on-site treatment, thoroughly resolving them; promptly propose measures to ensure sufficient supplies of drugs and equipment for A/H1N1 flu prevention and control.

- Ministries, sectors, and localities shall focus on accelerating administrative reform work, effectively implementing Decision 30 on simplifying administrative procedures; emphasizing inspection work, complaint resolution, and anti-corruption efforts; particularly monitoring and proactively preventing natural disasters and storms to minimize damage.

- Members of the Government shall promptly prepare reports assigned for the fifth session of the XIIth National Assembly; allocate more time to building and implementing work programs, especially in formulating institutions, improving the quality and ensuring the progress of drafting and promulgating legal documents, ensuring consistency and synchronization, better meeting the requirements of state administration through law.

- The Ministry of Information and Communications shall direct mass media organizations to provide comprehensive and accurate information on Party and State policies, Government and Prime Minister directives, and economic and social achievements to continue fostering social consensus, motivating the people and businesses to have confidence and continue implementing set goals and tasks; ministries, sectors, and localities shall actively provide information to the public about Party and State policies, Government directives, and their own management and operations, enabling the public to understand and grasp these policies and directives./.