On May 31 afternoon and June 1, 2001, the Government held its May regular meeting, discussing and resolving the following issues:

The Government heard the strategy on administrative reform, the 2001-2005 period, presented by the Minister-Head of the Government Commission for Organization and Personnel. In order to materialize successfully the Resolution of the IX National Party Congress and the strategy on socio-economic development till 2010, the Government affirmed its determination to boost the implementation of the 2001-2005 program on administrative reform with steps suitable to the renewal of political system. In the immediate future, efforts shall be concentrated on preparing contents for the amendment of the 1992 Constitution, the Law on Organization of the Government, the Law on Organization of the People�s Councils and People�s Committees, which shall serve as basis for the clear definition of functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Government, the ministries, the ministerial-level agencies, the agencies attached to the Government as well as local administrations; on revising and annulling immediately administrative procedures, which cause troubles to people and enterprises; and on enhancing order and disciplines within the administrative system. The Government assigned the Government Commission for Organization and Personnel and the Steering Committee for Administrative Reform to finalize the program on administrative reform, first of all, with things to be done immediately in two years, 2001 and 2002, then submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and promulgation in June 2001.

The Government adopted the draft decree replacing Decree No. 21/CP of March 5, 1997 which promulgates the Provisional Regulation on the establishment, management and use of Internet network, submitted by the General Director of Post and Telecommunications. It assigned the General Department of Post and Telecommunications to coordinate with the concerned agencies in finalizing the draft decree, and submitting it to the Prime Minister for consideration and promulgation in June 2001.

The Government adopted the draft decree on the issuance of the Regulation on bidding for projects on petroleum prospection, exploration and exploitation. It assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to finalize the draft decree, then submit it to the Prime Minister for promulgation in June 2001.

The Government heard the Minister of Planning and Investment presenting the draft resolution on further attracting the foreign direct investment and raising its efficiency in the 2001-2005 period. It determined that in the next five years, the country need to attract about USD 12 billion, so that up to 2005, foreign-invested sector�s contribution shall account for 15% of the GDP. To encourage foreign investment in the industries of export-producing, processing, high technology and new materials industries, especially information technology, bio-technology, electronics, petroleum,�, to work out policies of giving maximum preferences to foreign investment projects in regions and geographic areas meeting with particularly difficult socio-economic conditions; and to diversify forms and fields of investment attraction.

The Government gave its opinions on the draft decree on preferences for investment in the construction of dwelling houses for sale or lease, and the draft decree on classification and responsibility assignment of urban administrations.

The Government heard the report on socio-economic development situation in May and the first five months of 2001.- (Summary)