The main topics of group discussions include rural industrial development, corruption and wastefulness prevention, administrative reform and international economic integration. Many deputies have asked the Government to direct anti-corruption activities and deal with corruption cases more strictly.

Deputies to the 10th session of the 11th National Assembly (NA) on October 18 held group discussions on the results of the implementation of socio-economic development tasks for 2006,  tasks and orientations set for 2007, State budge estimates for 2007, central budget allocation and supplements to the local budgets for 2007.

Deputies Nguyen Xuan Phuc from central Quang Nam province and Nguyen Ngoc Tran from southern An Giang province said that the Government report was well prepared as it mentioned the NA Standing Committee’s examination of the results of the implementation of socio-economic development tasks for 2006 and tasks and orientations for 2007 as well as pending issues that need to be resolved.

Many deputies also gave opinions on specific issues such as defining targets for socio-economic development and key economic sectors, reducing regular spending, promoting administrative reform and increasing the efficiency of the fight against corruption.

Deputies said that anti-corruption activities have been intensified as the Law on Thrift Practice and Wastefulness Prevention and the Anti-Corruption Law have been implemented effectively. They also asked the Government to direct anti-corruption activities and deal with corruption cases more strictly.

Regarding the country’s admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), deputy Nguyen Ngoc Tran from southern An Giang province said the Government report should clarify forecasts on the WTO admission impacts on the national economy, especially on medium and small- sized enterprises.

In regard to the management of science and technology, deputy Nguyen Ngoc Anh from northern Hai Duong province said the management of science and technology remains poor, particularly in helping farmers apply scientific and technological advances in their production.

Deputies also contributed to the development of rural industry, social policies and other issues mentioned in the Government report.