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Congratulations on Greece Independence Day AT A GLANCE %

CLIMATE CHANGE PM ADDRESSES UN DEBATE

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered remarks at an open Framework Convention on Climate
debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on addressing climate- Change (UNFCCC), and the Paris
related risks to international peace and security, which was held Agreement (COP-21) to be effec-
online on February 23. The government leader asked the UNSC and tively implemented. PM Phuc
the international community to allocate greater resources to support affirmed that an active and effec-
developing countries, least-developed countries, small developing tive response to climate change is a major guideline of the Vietnamese
island states, and land-locked countries, which are most affected by Government. He stressed that Vietnam has made substantial efforts
climate change and lacking in expertise and resources, in order for to fulfill its international commitments on climate change (SDG-
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG-2030), the UN 2030 and COP-21).

CONSULTATION CONFERENCE HELD NA ELECTIONS
The first consultation conference upcoming NA elections, scheduled for May. The NA Standing Committee
on candidate nominations for the estimated the number of central-level deputies at 207 and others at the
upcoming election of deputies to local level at 293. The number of deputies outside of the Party will be
the 15th National Assembly for the 25-50, deputies aged under 40 will total around 50, and some 160 are to
2021-2026 tenure was held online be re-elected. At least 18 per cent of deputies are to be ethnic minorities
in Hanoi on February 4 by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Com- and 35 per cent women. Nominated and self-nominated candidates
mittee. The conference aims to reach consensus on the structure and must submit personal papers for election no later than March 14.
number of candidates nominated by central organizations for the

MARINE MANAGEMENT NEW REGULATIONS ON SEA AREAS ISSUED
The government issued Decree No. 11/2021/ND-CP on February 10 of sea areas, and amendments and
providing regulations on the allocation of sea areas to organizations supplements to sea area allocation
and individuals for the exploitation and use of marine resources. The decisions; use information and
Decree will become effective on March 30, 2021. The maximum data related to allocated sea areas
duration for sea area allocation must not exceed 30 years, which can as provided by law; receive com-
be extended many times but not beyond a total of 20 additional pensation when competent State
years. Under the Decree, organizations and individuals with allocated management agencies recover sea areas for defense and security
sea areas have the right to use those areas for marine resource purposes; and lodge complaints or instigate lawsuits when their
exploitation; propose extensions to the allocation duration, the return legitimate interests are violated.

FINAL SESSION OF 14th NA TO OPEN SHORTLY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

According to a decision from President, and judicial agencies on their performance during the
the 53rd session of the 14th tenure. Deputies will also spend a great deal of time considering a
National Assembly (NA) Stand- number of positions in the State apparatus, including State President,
ing Committee, which concluded Vice State President, government leaders and members, NA leaders,
on February 23, the 11th session and heads of judicial agencies. Speaking at the session, NA Chair-
- the last of the 14th NA - is to woman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan asked leaders of NA committees and
open on March 24 and last 11 days. During this 11th session, NA agencies to make thorough preparations for a smooth handover to
deputies will hear reports from the NA, the government, the State the 15th NA.

PANDEMIC FIGHT FIRST BATCH OF VACCINES ARRIVE
An initial batch of 117,600 doses of Covid-19 vaccine, which were show that 22 days after the first
jointly studied and produced by AstraZeneca and Oxford University shot, the AstraZeneca vaccine
in the UK, arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi could fully protect people from
Minh City on February 24. Vietnam is therefore one of the first serious illness, hospitalization,
countries in Asia to access a prestigious global vaccine. Apart from and death from the coronavirus.
stepping up the trial and production of vaccines at home, the Ministry Within 90 days, its potency stands
of Health is also working to import more, as directed by the government, at 76 per cent. Analyses show that the vaccine can reduce the risk of
while preparing a vaccination priority list, according to Deputy infection by two-thirds for cases without existing symptoms.
Minister of Health Truong Quoc Cuong. Results from clinical trials

MARCH 2021 | VIETNAM ECONOMIC TIMES | 11