She also urged the government to invest more in rural infrastructure.

Deputy Nguyen Huu Nhi said farmers have suffered the most from the economic slowdown but their access to cheap loans remains blocked by complicated procedures.

Deputy Nguyen Van Son wanted the government to set aside a substantial sum from the stimulus package for developing rural transport.

“I think it is a basic requirement,” he said, adding that a better transport system would help boost production and generate more jobs.

Deputy Danh Ut said the government should extend the term of the interest-free loans for farmers to 5- 10 years.

He also called for scrapping a regulation that requires farmers to buy locally-made equipment to be eligible for the loans.

No personal income tax reduction/exemption

Lawmakers opposed a proposal to reduce or waive personal income tax for the second half of the year.

Dang Nhu Loi, deputy chairman of the NA’s Committee for Social Affairs, also rejected the proposal saying the move would not have the expected effect of stimulating consumption by poor families.

Nguyen Dinh Xuan, a Tay Ninh Province representative, concurred saying the tax should be collected and used to support farmers.

Earlier, the NA’s Financial and Budgetary Committee, which appraised the proposal, had also opposed it.

The government earlier proposed waiving income tax for the first half of the year.

Deputy Nguyen Van Tuyet of Yen Bai Province agreed but said it should not be extended to the second half, warning that could cause a revenue shortfall.

Reported by Bao Van – Luu Quang Pho