 National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan opens the Assembly's ninth session in Hanoi on May 20 |
In her opening speech, Chairwoman Ngan said that at the beginning of this year, the COVID-19 epidemic became a pandemic and seriously affected socio-economic activities around the globe and in Vietnam.
But under the leadership of the Party and National Assembly, Vietnam has contained the epidemic and prevented its community spread, securing people’s lives and health, said Madam Ngan.
She added that Vietnam’s response measures have been praised as a bright spot in the COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.
“The National Assembly appreciates the sacrifice and spirit of medical workers, soldiers, policemen, and others on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, as well as the public’s support and sense of responsibility in implementing measures to control the disease. I believe that spirit will continue to be spread and promoted,” said Chairwoman Ngan.
According to Madam Ngan, high on the agenda will be personnel and socio-economic issues. Notably, deputies will deliberate and approve the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and Vietnam’s joining the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 105 on the abolition of forced labour.
She said: “This will be an important milestone in Vietnam’s international economic integration, a key premise and a major opportunity for national exports, helping to diversify markets and products.”
“The NA sitting will focus on building a transparent legal and investment environment to attract more investors from the EU and elsewhere, affirming Vietnam’s determination to enforce articles relating to labor set by trade agreements and its duty as an ILO member. The adoption of the international treaties is in line with the guideline of the Party and state in Vietnam’s international integration in economics, labor and social issues,” Madam Ngan added.
The NA session will run for 19 days. Question-and-answer sessions will not be organised at plenary meetings.