NA reforms needed to spur development
QUANG NAM — The National Assembly (NA) should continue to implement critical parliamentary reforms to make a greater contribution to Viet Nam's development, said NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien. He made the statement at the "12th National Assembly: Essential Reforms for Development" conference held in Hoi An City yesterday, with the participation of representatives from the NA and Government agencies, diplomatic missions and international community.
Participants at the meeting discussed National Assembly reforms related to the legislative, oversight, and representative functions and decision-making procedures on issues of national importance.
Kien said such a dialogue, with exchanges of experience with international experts, was vital as the 12th legislature was coming to the end of its term and authorities were conducting review activities in preparation for the 13th, expected to be elected next May.
"This is a great opportunity to share our experiences with the international community on the recent reforms of the NA as well as the challenges we are facing and future plans for further reforms," he said.
UN Resident Co-ordinator John Hendra commended the positive changes in the NA's development during the 12th legislature, especially the increased degree of professionalism of members of the parliament, the strengthened roles of NA committees and Vietnamese citizens, and the institution's assertiveness on matters of national interest.
"Indeed, I think it is fair to say that the role of the National Assembly has been considerably strengthened as part of Viet Nam's reform process, and the Assembly is evolving into a more powerful and relevant institution within the political system than it was in years past," John said.
He affirmed that the continuity and improvement of these parliamentary activities were essential, particularly as the country entered middle-income status.
"The challenges ahead are not to be underestimated; they will require a legislature that is active, articulate and effective," he said.
Hendra noted that with the complexity of the development process, the NA would be called on to play a critical role in ensuring the principles of inclusiveness, transparency, accountability and public participation in decision-making processes; and a close partnership with the international community was needed.
The conference was co-organised by the National Assembly Office and the United Nations Development Programme within the framework of the "Strengthening the capacity of Vietnamese representative bodies" project in co-operation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union. — VNS