Decision No. 28/2006/NQ-CP of the Government's regular meeting in October 2006

 RESOLUTION

Regular Government Meeting in October 2006

On November 2, 2006, the Government convened its regular monthly meeting in October to discuss and adopt the following issues:

1. The Government heard the Minister of Finance's presentation on the draft Decree on Lottery Business, Betting, and Prize Games.

The need for recreational and entertainment activities with prizes is a reality in society. Allowing the organization of lottery, betting, and prize game activities aims to mobilize contributions from the people to supplement capital for public welfare projects, adhering to the principle of benefiting both the country and individuals while satisfying the healthy recreational and entertainment needs of residents. However, these business activities are sensitive and carry high risks, necessitating state supervision. It is essential to establish a comprehensive and unified legal framework for these business activities.

The Ministry of Finance is tasked with leading and coordinating with the Government Office, the Ministry of Justice, and relevant agencies to incorporate the opinions of government members, finalize the draft Decree on lotteries, and submit it for issuance by the Government.

The Ministry of Finance leads and coordinates with the Sports Committee to study and evaluate the form of betting business and propose specific management solutions, reporting to the Prime Minister in the first quarter of 2007.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment leads and coordinates with relevant agencies to continue reviewing legal regulations regarding the organization and operation of prize games and casinos, proposing network planning and appropriate management measures, and reporting to the Prime Minister in January 2007.

2. The Government heard the Minister and Head of the Government Office's report summarizing the opinions of government members on the draft Decree stipulating medical examination, treatment, and material standards for personnel engaged in confidential work; implementing mandatory health insurance for dependents of personnel engaged in confidential work.

The Confidential Service Administration leads and coordinates with the Government Office and relevant agencies to incorporate the opinions of government members, finalize the draft Decree, and submit it for consideration and issuance by the Prime Minister.

3. The Government heard the Minister and Head of the Government Office's report on the timing of policy implementation for workers in state-owned enterprises that have gone bankrupt and policies for managerial positions in state-owned enterprises during restructuring.

The Government discussed and agreed:

- To implement policies for workers in state-owned enterprises that have gone bankrupt at the time when the court decides to initiate bankruptcy proceedings, if the enterprise's owner has taken all possible measures but cannot restore the enterprise's operational capacity and commits in writing not to take further measures to restore operations.

- For managerial positions in state-owned enterprises undergoing restructuring in 2006 (including those who have completed procedures in 2005 but have not yet been resolved) and who will not continue working in the enterprise or in the public sector, they shall be entitled to the policies stipulated in Resolution No. 16/2000/NQ-CP dated October 18, 2000 of the Government on streamlining the administrative apparatus and public service units and Resolution No. 09/2003/NQ-CP dated July 28, 2003 of the Government amending and supplementing Resolution No. 16/2000/NQ-CP.

4. The Government heard the Minister of Trade's report on the results of negotiations for accession to the World Trade Organization.

The multilateral negotiation session held on October 26, 2006, in Geneva, Switzerland, adopted all documents related to Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), officially marking Vietnam's completion of the negotiation process to become a member of the WTO. This is the result of years of effort, demonstrating Vietnam's determination to integrate its economy with regional and global economies.

The Government requests relevant ministries and agencies to closely coordinate, promptly and proactively implement international economic integration through the WTO. In the short term, this includes perfecting the accession documents to submit to the National Assembly and the President; organizing the WTO accession ceremony and other related activities; and continuing to advocate for the United States to soon approve permanent normal trade relations with Vietnam.

5. The Government heard reports on the production, business, investment situation in October and the socio-economic situation in the first ten months of 2006 presented by the Minister of Planning and Investment; the trade situation in October 2006 presented by the Minister of Trade; the current status of price management and market regulation in 2006 and the direction of price control for goods and services in 2007 presented by the Minister of Finance; and the inspection, complaint resolution, and anti-corruption work report presented by the State Inspector General.

The Government agrees with the assessment and price control direction in the Finance Ministry's report. The general principle in price control is to ensure prices fully reflect production and business costs according to market principles, with state management. The state encourages price competition under the law and gradually aligns domestic pricing systems with world market prices. Specific goals and measures for price control need to be thoroughly researched to become part of the Government's Resolution on key measures to guide the implementation of the socio-economic plan and state budget for 2007.

The economic and social situation in October and the first ten months of 2006 continued to develop steadily. Industrial production value increased significantly, especially in the non-state-owned industrial sector. The domestic market developed, export turnover increased. Foreign direct investment attracted a satisfactory amount. State budget revenue and expenditure were on schedule. Social activities developed positively, poverty reduction efforts achieved good results. Consumer goods and service price indices did not experience significant fluctuations. Emergency response work for Typhoon No. 6 was carried out promptly, reducing casualties and damage to state and people's property.

However, there are still many difficulties to overcome in the last two months of the year. To complete the annual economic and social development plan for 2006, the Government requests ministries, sectors, and localities to review tasks, assess progress, and continue to effectively implement assigned tasks and solutions; focus on resolving difficulties, promoting production and business development, and exports; accelerate disbursement of construction investment funds, particularly government bonds and state investment credit; strengthen measures to prevent and control diseases, quickly extinguish the brown planthopper, dwarf yellow leaf, and leaf curl disease affecting rice, adopt structural crop adjustment measures, introduce new high-yield varieties into production, and implement support policies to restore and promote agricultural development; intensify anti-corruption efforts and thrift practices; quickly address disaster consequences, stabilize production and people's livelihoods; expedite the drafting, reviewing, and promulgation of guiding documents for laws and ordinances passed by the National Assembly that have come into effect.

Relevant ministries and localities must strictly direct and coordinate with competent agencies to successfully organize the 14th APEC Meeting in Hanoi. The Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Defense, and the Government Inspectorate must organize forces well, implement necessary plans, maintain social security and stability, and ensure absolute safety during the meeting period.