The fourth plenary session of the Communist Party of Vietnam  (CPV) Central Committeewill include discussions relating to the preparations for the upcoming National Assembly (NA) elections, the re-arrangement of CPV committees and governmental bodies, major economic development strategies following the country’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Marine Strategy.

The contents of the meetings were revealed by the General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, Nong Duc Manh, during the opening speech of the fourth plenum in Hanoi on January 15.

The Central Committee will also hear reports on the Secretariat's and the Politburo's leadership since the tenth CPV National Congress until the end of 2006, the results of important missions carried out since the end of the third plenum up until the fourth plenum, the results of the inspection and supervision work since the tenth National Congress until the end of 2006 and the CPV’s financial activities in 2006.

Regarding the task of reviewing the working term of the 11^th NA and preparing for the elections of the 12^th NA, the General Secretary said that the polls and the preparation of the personnel should be done in accordance with the law which guarantees a true representation of the people’s will and aspirations as well as an honest and strong embrace of national responsibilities and tasks for the new period. In his view, this is a very important issue, contributing to establishing a law-governed socialist state of the people, by the people and for the people.

According to the General Secretary, the CPV Central Committee will discuss and decide on certain issues related to the restructuring and strengthening of the apparatus of CPV’s committees and state bodies in order to enhance the Party’s leadership and bring into full play the role and responsibility of state bodies as well as that of the Fatherland Front and civic organisations.

Concerning the guidelines for Vietnam's entry into the WTO, General Secretary Nong Duc Manh said: “To take full advantage and overcome challenges toward a successful economic integration, we have to work out sound and suitable guidelines and policies, ensuring the country’s rapid and sustainable economic development while firmly defending the country’s independence and sovereignty as well as its socialist tendencies.”

Regarding the Marine Strategy, General Secretary Man stated that: “This plenum will comprehensively discuss the position and the role of maritime sector in the economy, society, security, national defence and external affairs in order to work out a ‘Marine Strategy towards 2020’ and beyond. This strategy will be a step to implement the Party’s tenth National Congress Resolution for maximising sea exploitation as well as coastal areas and islands' potential aiming at creating new conditions and advantages for socio-economic development, defending the country’s territorial waters, safeguarding national sovereignty and helping to speed up the nation’s industrialisation and modernisation course.”

• Source: VNA, ND