Preparation for the 7th Session of the 15th National Assembly
The Secretary-General of the National Assembly and Director of the National Assembly Office, Bui Van Cuong, reported that as of today, the Secretary-General has received 17/17 comments from relevant agencies, which are generally in agreement with the proposed agenda for the session.
During the 7th session, the National Assembly will consider 24 legislative matters, 16 economic, social, and state budget matters, and oversee important issues. In addition, 20 groups of documents have been submitted by agencies for representatives of the National Assembly to review.
The National Assembly is expected to meet for a total of 26 days, opening on May 20, 2024, and closing on the morning of June 27, 2024. Two Saturdays (May 25 and June 8) have been scheduled for work sessions. The National Assembly will hold its meetings at the National Assembly building. The session will be divided into two stages, with the first stage lasting 17 days, from May 20 to June 8, 2024, and the second stage lasting 9 days, from June 17 to the morning of June 27, 2024. During this session, the National Assembly will allocate 2.5 days for interpellation and response sessions.
Regarding content preparation, the Secretary-General and Director of the National Assembly Office, Bui Van Cuong, stated that relevant agencies are working diligently to ensure the quality and timely submission of materials for the session.
In his remarks at the meeting, the Chairman of the National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, acknowledged that the volume of work for the session is substantial. The National Assembly will consider and approve 10 draft laws and 3 draft resolutions containing legal norms, provide initial feedback on 11 draft laws, and discuss key economic, social, and state budget issues. It will also review specialized interpellations and oversight activities and consider other important matters and documents submitted to representatives of the National Assembly for study. The Assembly will also provide feedback on the Government’s request to add items to the agenda of the 7th session.
The Chairman of the National Assembly also noted that some documents, reports, and accompanying materials have not yet been submitted and requested relevant agencies to clarify their progress.
He asked for feedback on the allocation of time for various agenda items and the provision of infrastructure, equipment, logistics, communication, and security measures for a smooth session.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Law Committee, Hoang Thanh Tung, requested that the Secretary-General and Director of the National Assembly Office consider extending the discussion time for the Notarization Law in both the working groups and the assembly hall, as this is the first time the National Assembly has provided feedback on this draft law.
Furthermore, since the 7th session will approve eight draft laws and two pilot resolutions, Mr. Tung suggested that the Council for Ethnic Minorities and the relevant lead committees ensure compliance with regulations and submit draft documents to the Standing Committee of the Law Committee at least seven days prior to approval for technical review and verification of constitutionality and legality.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee, Le Quang Manh, stated that regarding the revised Law on Value Added Tax, time is of the essence. There needs to be consensus among relevant agencies to determine whether it can be included in the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.
Pursuant to regulations, he noted that for the pilot resolution on mechanisms and policies for Nghe An and Da Nang, the official documentation should be available by April 30th for review and reporting to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly before submission to the National Assembly.
The Chairman of the Committee on Science, Technology, and the Environment, Le Quang Huy, reported that the Committee plans to submit the following content for review by the National Assembly at the 7th session: the Law on Geology and Minerals and the National Marine Spatial Plan. He requested that relevant agencies expedite the submission of documents and proposals to ensure timely review and presentation to the National Assembly during the upcoming session.
In his concluding remarks, the Chairman of the National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, commended the efforts, dedication, and urgency of various agencies in preparing the documentation for the National Assembly’s 7th session. He urged them to continue prioritizing their responsibilities, cooperating closely, and making every effort to complete the documentation and submit it on time.
Regarding the draft Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting and two draft resolutions added to the 2024 Law and Ordinance Development Program, the Chairman requested that the Government finalize the documentation so that it can be reviewed by relevant agencies and presented to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly for feedback at its May meeting before submission to the National Assembly.
Noting several additional agenda items and reports to be submitted to representatives of the National Assembly, the Chairman requested that the Secretary-General, based on feedback received at the meeting, continue to refine the proposed agenda and seek written feedback. He also urged agencies to ensure security, safety, and logistical support for the session.
