The Ministry of Interior proposed a draft decree which would require local deputy ministers to be fluent in at least one foreign language, among other qualifications.

Deputy foreign minister Pham Quang Vinh on a recent interiview with CNN.

Other requirements include patriotism, dedication to serve people, to 'firmly stand with independence and socialist goals', strictly uphold the Party's policies and laws and hold a graduate degree. Any holder of the position would also be expected to prevent corruption.

Perhaps the biggest change in the draft decree is requirement for deputy ministers' fluency in English, Russian, French, German or Chinese. Deputy ministers must be advanced in one of these languages or be able to speak Lao, Khmer or other languages of ethnic minorities.

Heads or deputy heads of ministry's directorate, department and offices have similar requirements but with lower requirement levels.

Deputy ministers, or those holding higher posts, will have to take training courses in state administration and political theory. In order to be promoted to the position of deputy minister, the official must be the head of a directorate or department under a ministry or ministerial-level agency or have been the chair of a state-owned firm for at least three years.

Dantri/VNN