Vietnam commences new parliament

HANOI - The first session of the 14th National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam kicked off Wednesday in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, commencing a new parliament for 2016-2021 tenure.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said this is the first session of the new parliament with "very important contents", drawing great attention of voters and people nationwide.

During the session, the NA will elect the country's top leadership positions, including NA chairperson, state president, prime minister, among others.

Also during the session, the NA will review, debate and give opinions on a report on socio-economic situation and the implementation of national budget in the first six months of 2016, as well as solutions to implement the socio-economic plan and national budget in the last six months of the year.

Addressing the opening session, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong said the 14th NA was commenced in the context of complicated development in the region and the world, as well as numerous opportunities and challenges in the country.

The party chief put forward proposals so as the new parliament can well fulfill its work, including finalization of legal system, improvement of NA's oversight activities, and enhancement of NA responsibilities in deciding country's major issues.

During the final session of the 13th NA, Vietnamese parliament replaced top leadership positions of the country and the state leaders of the country will be re-elected during the first session of the 14th NA.

On March 31, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan became the country's first NA chairwoman, while Tran Dai Quang was elected the new president on April 2, and Nguyen Xuan Phuc was elected the country's new prime minister on April 7.

The first session of the 14th NA is scheduled to last till July 29.