Draft law aims to create breakthroughs for special zones
A draft law on special administrative and economic zones has been adjusted based on feedback with the aim of creating a new development model that will bring breakthroughs to the zones.
Van Don district, Quang Ninh province (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – A draft law on special administrative-economic zoneshas been adjusted based on feedback with the aim of creating a new developmentmodel that will bring breakthroughs to the zones.
At a meeting on April 4 to review items to be submitted to the fifth plenarysession of the 14th National Assembly, lawmakers heard that manychanges to several contents of the draft law including planning, special mechanismsand policies on socio-economic development, and organization of a special zone’sgovernment.
Most National Assembly deputies agreed the revision was a positive step toboost the development of special administrative-economic zones, including Van Don,Bac Van Phong and Phu Quoc.
In the morning session, one of the hottest discussions focused on whether toestablish a counselling committee for special administrative zones.
According to the draft, State management of the special administrative zone’sPeople’s Committee, especially in ensuring that tasks given by ministries andagencies are completed, would be exerted via this counselling committee, whichwould be formed by the Prime Minister.
However, NA deputies expressed concerns that with high autonomy being thespecial administrative zone’s raison d’etre, this committee would slow theoperation of the special zone’s authorities, and that more agencies is againstthe Government’s efforts to streamline administrative procedures.
DeputyTo Van Tam from the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum said it is notnecessary to form the counselling committee as it will ease the proactiveness ofthe People’s Committee of the special zone and its Chairman.
However, deputy Hoang Quang Ham from the northern province of Phu Tho said theestablishment of the counselling committee is a new way to supervise andbalance power when these special zones are granted huge power.
Regarding land use term, according to deputy Pham Thi Thu Trang from Quang Ngaiprovince, currently the land law only provides for a maximum of 70-year termwithout mentioning any exceptions, permission to grant a 99-year land lease to‘special projects’ in special administrative zones must be clarified and itsimpacts be assessed.-VNA
Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has asked ministries, agencies and localities to build strong institutions to help Van Don Special Economic Zone retain investors, businesses and visitors.
The Department for Economic Zones Management (DEZM) of the Ministry of Planning and Investment is in the process of completing the draft Law on Special Administrative-Economic Units, with adjustments being made in terms of local operations, organisation, administration and foreign investment incentives and policies.
The Law on Special Administrative-Economic Units must create breakthroughs in mechanisms and preferential incentives to boost economic development, experts have said.
The People’s Council of the northeastern border province of Quang Ninh has approved a project proposing the establishment of Van Don special administrative-economic unit at its sixth meeting of the 13th tenure in Ha Long city.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Van Don district, Quang Ninh province (Source: VNA) 
