PM: Gov’t selects goals of highest benefits

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng answers NA deputies’ questions at the 6th session of the 12th National Assembly, Hà Nội, November 19, 2009

At this legislative sitting, 112 NA deputies have sent 254 questions to the Government, the PM and other Cabinet members. On Tuesday and Wednesday, four Ministers answered many questions of top law-makers.

This morning, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng delivered a report giving details to three groups of issues of public concern, namely (i) growth recovery, macro-economic stability, and economic restructuring; (ii) dealing with some burning social issues; and (iii) the Government’s performance.

The Government chief also personally gave answers to NA deputies’ questions about some socio-economic issues.

Answering question of Deputy Nguyễn Minh Thuyết about some recent cases relating to foreign elements, PM Dũng frankly noted that “All case relating to foreign factors have been settled in line with Vietnamese laws. About flaws of the legal system in Việt Nam, I will direct competent agencies to make necessary corrections.”

Deputy Ngô Văn Minh of Quảng Nam Province highly spoke of the PM’s report which clarifies many concerns over hydroelectricity development.

The Government chief reiterated that he had ordered relevant ministries to review the planning of medium and small hydro-power projects; review criteria of the assessment of these projects; and check the process of operating reservoirs.

Answering the question “we are following conflicting goals: maintaining forest area while expanding the cultivation of coffee and rubber,” the PM underlined the principle of “selecting highest aggregate benefits whenever weighing conflicting goals."

Mentioning the rapid and sustainable poverty reduction in 62 poorest districts, PM Dũng stated that these districts are all located in remote areas and have the poverty rate of 50% or higher.

“We lack resources to assist more localities. We have sufficient resources to finance 62 poorest districts only,” said PM Dũng.

He also confirmed that the Government is reconsidering Decision 497 on assistance for farmers, so as to make necessary revisions and supplementations. Meanwhile the Governor of the State Bank is drafting a decree on credit incentives for farmers, which is supposed to facilitate this work.