An overview of the virtual meeting of the Committee on Social Matters in the framework of AIPA 41 (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - A consistent approach and cooperation between member
parliaments of the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in tackling
COVID-19 and post-pandemic recovery is among suggestions proposed by delegates
to the virtual meeting of the Committee on Social Matters in the framework of
the 41st AIPA General Assembly (AIPA 41) on September 9 in Hanoi.
Addressing
the meeting, Vice Chairwoman of Vietnam’s National Assembly Tong Thi Phong
stressed that AIPA’s support and effective collaboration among AIPA member
parliaments is a decisive factor in realising the goal of building a
people-centred and socially-responsible ASEAN Community.
During
the event, participants discussed challenges brought by COVID-19 for labour,
employment, social welfare, culture, education, vocational training,
biodiversity, waste treatment and other social matters. They also exchanged
experiences and know-hows applied by their respective countries in tackling the
aforementioned matters.
Delegates
to the meeting proposed multiple approaches and responsive measures to protect
lives and health of people, as well as environment, aiming at sustainable
development in the region and the world.They
affirmed the determination of
AIPA Member Parliaments to support the ASEAN
Socio-Cultural Community in responding to COVID-19 ensuring that no one is left
behind during epidemic outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
Nguyen
Hoang Mai, Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee to
the Committee on Social Matters of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN
Inter-Parliamentary Assembly informed delegates on the Vietnamese legislature’s efforts in assisting people through the pandemic.
Specifically,
the Vietnamese National Assembly has ensured a legal framework for implementing
measures in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Assembly also approved
a support package worth 62 trillion VND to assist people and enterprises
affected by the pandemic. It also adjusted the state budget towards promoting
public investment and economic recovery. Resolutions on removing obstacles
facing enterprises hard hit by the pandemic have also been issued by the
National Assembly in a bid to facilitate post-pandemic recovery.
The
meeting adopted a draft resolution on “Advancing AIPA’s Role In Supporting
ASEAN Socio-cultural Community in Responding to COVID-19”. The final resolution
is expected to be approved by the 41st General Assembly of AIPA./.