The seventh session of the 13th National Assembly (NA) opened in the capital city of Hanoi on May 20.

The legislature’s first session in 2014 will debate many important draft laws and decide important issues related to the implementation of the country’s socio-economic development plan.

Attending the live broadcast opening ceremony were Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, among others.

Before the ceremony, the Party and State leaders together with NA deputies paid floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum.

In his opening remark, Chairman Hung stated that the session is taking place in the context of complicated developments in the regional and world situations.

The domestic economy, despite positive changes such as higher year-on-year growth in the first months of the year, curbed inflation, declining interest, stable foreign exchange rates and increased exports, still sees many shortcomings. Among those are instable macro economy, slow economic restructuring and unsettled numerous difficulties in production and business activities.

This situation requires synchronous measures to continue stabilising the macro economy, regaining growth speed, and ensuring social security, he said.

Regarding the complex and unpredictable developments in the East Sea , the NA Chairman said that China ’s installation of its drilling rig in Vietnam ’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone with large escort forces, including military ships and aircraft, is an extremely serious violation of Vietnam ’s territorial sovereignty.

The act runs counter to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and agreements reached by the two countries’ high-ranking leaders, he said.

The Vietnamese people resolutely oppose the illegal action of China while the international community shows special interest and solidarity with Vietnam , he added.

Chairman Hung affirmed that, during this session, the NA will hear and discuss the Government’s report on the East Sea situation and give opinions on this issue in the spirit of taking every possible measure to firmly protect the national sovereignty while maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for national development and preserving the traditional friendship between the people of Vietnam and China.

During the 28-day session, the deputies will consider 11 draft laws for approval, a resolution on the 2015 Law and Ordinance Building Programme, and adjustments to the agenda of the National Assembly in the 13 th term and 2014. They will also give feedback to 16 other bills.

The NA will examine revisions to its resolution No 35/2012/QH on the conduct of vote of confidence for people holding positions elected or elected by the National Assembly and People’s Councils.

The legislature will also look into reports on the socio-economic development and State budget implementation in early 2014 and the enforcement of poverty reduction laws and policies for 2005-2012. It is expected to approve the 2012 State budget balance.

At the opening session, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, on behalf of the Government, delivered a supplementary report on the implementation of the socio-economic development plan and State budget in 2013 and another report for the first months of this year.

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan presented a report on voters’ opinions and proposals.-VNA