NA Standing Committee scrutinises draft revised Railway Law
The top legislator emphasised the importance of promoting transportation-oriented urban models, creating mechanisms to effectively use land funds, developing smart and sustainable cities, establishing an inter-agency mechanism at the central and local levels to solve obstacles in the implementation of projects.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the National Assembly Standing Committee's 43rd session. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee discussed the draft Railway Law (amended) at its ongoing 43rd session on March 10, during which its members agreed on the necessity of a comprehensive revision of the law.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed that this amendment focuses on breakthrough policies, decentralising and delegating more authority to localities in railway management, and ensuring consistency with the current legal system, including the Land Law, the Planning Law, and the Public Investment Law, to avoid contradictions and overlaps.
He requested a separate chapter on mechanisms for prioritising resources, technology, and specialised human resources training, as well as learning from international experiences.
The top legislator emphasised the importance of promoting transportation-oriented urban models, creating mechanisms to effectively use land funds, developing smart and sustainable cities, establishing an inter-agency mechanism at the central and local levels to solve obstacles in the implementation of projects.
Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy stated that the draft law comprises of eight chapters and 70 articles, down two chapters and 17 articles compared to the 2017 law.
It also eliminates regulations on 20% of administrative procedures and 33% of business conditions compared to the current law in order to meet the requirements for simplifying and reducing administrative procedures and business conditions.
The bill also adds provisions to mobilise the maximum resources of localities and economic sectors to invest in the construction of railway infrastructure.
Deputies highlighted the need for a mechanism for monitoring and supervision across all levels, from national to local, to ensure consistency and effectiveness in invest൩ment projects, along with provisions on the mechanism for publicly disclosing information related to the quality a🦂nd condition of infrastructure operations to ensure transparency and accountability of the involved parties./.
Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu suggested turning railway cooperation into a new growth pole and a new symbol of collaboration between Vietnam and China.
The resolution outlines a series of specific mechanisms and policies, including the mobilisation and allocation of investment capital; procedures for investing in urban rail projects and those based on the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model; the development of the rail industry, technology transfer, and workforce training; policies on construction materials and waste disposal; and specific regulations for HCM City.
The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway will span approximately 390.9 kilometers for the main route, with 27.9 kilometers of branch lines. The project will pass through the nine localities of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong
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.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
