The eighth session of the NA's13th tenure in October 2014 was the most notable session, adopting 18 laws and 11 decrees in addition to commenting on 12 draft laws.

Last year was also the first time that the NA held its 33 working days at the new NA building in Ba Dinh square, at large halls with historical names such as Dien Hong and Tan Trao. The building was designed under the philosophy of 'banh chung' (square glutinous rice cakes) and 'banh day' (round glutinous rice cakes), the symbols of the harmony between Heaven and Earth.

Dien Hong recalls the significant historical event which recognised the first congress of democratic spirit in the history of Vietnam. 730 years ago in 1284, the Tran dynasty invited the elderly across the country to Thang Long Citadel to join Dien Hong Conference to mobilise the entire people to join the resistance against the Yuan invaders.

The values of Dien Hong Conference and the democratic spirit have been preserved over the past 730 years, inspiring NA deputies to be aware of their great responsibility as those in charge of voicing the aspirations and opinions of the people.

During the question and answer sessions of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and other Government senior leaders at Dien Hong hall, many NA deputies showed their responsibility to, and enthusiasm for. voters and people by posing questions related to current important issues including economic restructuring, public debts, non-performing loans, and official development assistance (ODA) management. The deputies also raised their concerns over other urgent issues such as corruption, social security, the national education system, and the implementation of large infrastructure projects among others, marking a successful NA session.

At the NA working sessions, senior leaders and deputies raised their voices on issues of borders, national territory and sovereignty amidst complicated fluctuations in the world to affirm an independent and self-reliant foreign policy. Answering the question of deputy Thich Thanh Quyet on the relationship between Vietnam and China after China's removal of its oil-rig HD981 out of Vietnamese waters, PM Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed that China is a neighbour of Vietnam and Vietnam wishes for sincere co-operation for mutual peace, stability and prosperity.

Also at the Dien Hong hall, the NA conducted a vote of confidence on senior Party and State leaders for the second time. According to NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, the vote of confidence indicates democracy, innovation and the high responsibility of NA deputies. Under the chair of NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and Vice chairpeople, the entire NA agenda was successfully completed.

Another highlight of the NA’s activities recorded in 2014 was the special meeting between NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and Pope Francis I in the Holy See in March, the first ever visit by a Vietnamese NA Chairman to the Vatican. The understanding and relations between Vietnam and the Vatican are making positive progress on the spirit of goodwill and mutual respect.