Lawmakers examined the draft Law on Natural Resources, Marine and Island Environments during the ongoing ninth session of the 13th National Assembly (NA) in Hanoi on May 28.

The deputies discussed the bill’s title and scale of necessary adjustments, the State’s policies and management principles in this area, community involvement and strategies for the sustainable use of marine resources.

Lawmakers talked about the scientific research based on marine and island environments and proposed measures for coping with maritime incidents such as oil spills and pollution.

During the plenary session, lawmakers also touched upon the draft Law on Referendum, which aims to promote democracy and increase the public’s participation in lawmaking.

Finance Minister Dinh Tien Dung and Chairman of the NA Committee on Finance and Budget Phung Quoc Hien clarified issues relating to the State budget balance in 2013, public debt and corporate tax.

The session will continue on May 29.-VNA