An overview of the question-and-answer session at the National Assembly (Photo: VNA)
 

The legislative leader reiterated that the Party and the State always pay attention to natural resources and environment management, natural disaster prevention and control, and climate change response.

In particular, he asked the Government, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and other ministers and heads of agencies to effectively implement tasks outlined in the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Vietnam's Marine Economy till 2030, with a vision to 2045, and the 2023 Law on Water Resources.

The NA Chairman also required that the study and evaluation of offshore renewable energy, and the review of the implementation of the law on sea and island natural resources and environment must be completed within 2025, adding that policies and laws on geology, minerals and mining industries must continue to be refined, of which the draft law on geology and minerals should be completed to be submitted to the 7th sitting of the NA for discussion.

Earlier, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha fielded questions and gave explanations on issues raised by NA deputies in the natural resources and environment field.

The same day, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien took the floor, answering questions on issues under his authority, including the protection of consumer rights in e-commerce, measures to boost exports, accelerate the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) and remove difficulties for businesses amidst global uncertainties, along with policies and laws on support industries and mechanics, especially those in service of agro-forestry-aquatic product processing, agriculture and rural development.

He highlighted that industrial production has gradually recovered and domestic trade developed strongly, noting that e-commerce has been growing at an average 20-25% a year, among the top five growth rates in the world. E-commerce now accounts for 8% of total consumer goods consumption of the country, the minister said, stressing that the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) will step up solutions to better manage and monitor e-commerce activities and the rights of consumers.

Regarding FTAs, the minister said Vietnam has joined 16 such deals with more than 60 partners, noting they have helped domestic firms expand operation, diversify market and supply chain, and boost export.

However, the optimisation of the agreements has yet to meet expectations, he said, explaining that the country’s export and import still depend on some major markets. The Government, ministries, agencies and localities will pay more attention to this problem in the time ahead, the minister said./.

VNA