“The agencies should offer stronger assistance to economic development, especially in term of trade and investment promotion,” delegate Vo Thi Hong Thoai from Bac Lieu Province said, during yesterday’s debate of the Bill on Representative Missions of Vietnam Abroad.

Some commercial bureaus in 50 countries and territories have conducted trade promotions, acting as a bridge between Vietnamese and foreign firms, she said. Hong said the government should help the commercial bureaus bring their ability fully into play.

In the current context, the contribution of the agencies to economic development is very important, said delegate Nguyen Van Thoi from Thai Nguyen Province.

Some delegates gave opinions on salary, security and working conditions for representative mission staff.

“Regulations on salary and allowances for staff of the missions should consider the specific conditions of each country and be set at such a rate to ensure the staff carry out their tasks effectively,” said delegate Ngo Anh Dung from Hanoi.

Reported by Bao Van