Deputy Dang Van Xuong from the Mekong Delta province of Long An said the country should make use of advantages in 2006, as the large amount of investment in the 2001-2005 period will begin to yield fruit.

During their discussions on October 19 and 20, a majority of deputies agreed that this year's 8.4 percent GDP growth was the result of the great efforts of the Government and branches, especially enterprises. They said the State needs to work harder to mobilise local and foreign investment sources, including overseas Vietnamese, for development.

Many deputies emphasised the need to enhance the efficiency of planning in order to eradicate waste and losses caused by unplanned development.

Deputies Ngo Sy Huong from northern Thai Nguyen province and Phan Thi Thu Ha from Dong Thap province in the Mekong Delta called on the State to invest more in applying science and technology in agriculture, especially processing farm produce.

Deputy Tran Cong Kich from northern Ninh Binh province said that the 5-million ha reforestation programme failed to bring in the desired results. He suggested that the State should promulgate consistent policies and clear incentives to encourage the people to work in forestry.

Employment, education and health issues also attracted great attention. Ngo Thi Minh from Quang Ninh province said there should be measures to provide low-income earners with better access to education and health care services.

The NA will continue to discuss the socio-economic development situation in 2005 and measures for 2006 on October 21./.