Asked about the risks faced by voluntary supplementary pension funds by businesses given the businesses' limited management capacity and high monetary and financial market risks in Vietnam, the minister acknowledged the long-term risks of those funds, stressing that the ministry is very cautious about this issue.

He said there are 10 such funds and four participating firms in Vietnam, and the ministry has received applications for the establishment of more funds. adding that the ministry encourages the development of such funds, while paying attention to the monitoring work to ensure the rights and interests of participating individuals.

Violations in auditing and land pricing in some recent criminal cases, including the one involving the Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), also heated up the hearing session.

Phoc blamed the wrongdoings on the low capacity and sense of responsibility of employees at auditing companies.

The ministry has observed the Party’s instructions to closely monitor auditor training and certification, he said, adding that the supervision over the operations of auditing firms will be tightened in the time ahead.  

For land pricing, Phoc pointed to loopholes in relevant documents, which he said can be made use of to manipulate the prices. He underlined that the ministry will regularly update technology, perfect regulations and tighten management and supervision of the work in line with the ministry's functions.

At the session, some deputies also raised questions on minimum taxable income threshold for wage earners and family deduction, stressing that the current levels are no longer suitable given increasing inflation and economic difficulties.

Phoc said adjustment to the present threshold and deduction levels can only be made when the Law on Personal Income Tax is amended, which is scheduled to begin next year.

The ministry will collect public feedback on this issue once the amendment process commences, and submit proposals to the Government, the NA Standing Committee and the legislature, he said./.VNA