Vietnam's National Assembly elected Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to a second term Tuesday, cementing his role as the country's most powerful politician.

The overwhelming vote of approval by the 500-member assembly was considered a formality after Mr. Dung was backed for the job at a congress of the ruling Communist Party in January.

In his first term, Mr. Dung guided the country through a period of rapid economic growth, including its entry into the World Trade Organization. But he faced severe criticism last year after massive debts brought the state-owned ship-building company Vinashin to the brink of collapse.

To secure his re-election, Mr. Dung fought off a challenge from leading party official Truong Tan Sang, who was elected Monday to the largely ceremonial position of president. Following his election, Mr. Sang formally nominated Mr. Dung for the post of prime minister.

The 500-member assembly has been meeting since last Thursday in its first session since being chosen in one-party elections in May.

The delegates are expected to discuss the establishment of a committee to draft amendments to the 1992 constitution before their session concludes on August 6.