Hanoi, March 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: The 43rd session of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee commenced yesterday under the leadership of NA Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn. The session, focused on reviewing and providing feedback on multiple legislative proposals, marks a significant step in advancing Vietnam’s legislative framework.
During the session, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyễn Danh Huy presented the draft amended Railway Law, introducing a renewed approach to streamline administrative and business regulations. The revised law, structured into eight chapters and 70 articles, aims to reduce administrative procedures by 20 per cent and business conditions by 33 per cent. It also mobilizes resources from localities and economic sectors for railway infrastructure investment and introduces a clear classification of national and local railways.
The draft law addresses critical aspects of railway management, including the shared use of national and local railway lines and railway-road intersections. Additionally, it proposes a new classification for Vietnam’s railway system, distinguishing between national railways, local railways, urban lines, conventional passenger and freight lines, and dedicated railways.
Chairman of the NA’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Lê Quang Huy stressed the need to enhance coordination mechanisms between management agencies, especially for projects involving new technologies or interregional connectivity. He called for a comprehensive monitoring system at both national and local levels to ensure effective and consistent railway investments.
During discussions, Chairman Mẫn highlighted the necessity of introducing breakthrough policies and decentralizing authority to local governments in railway management. He stressed the importance of aligning the revised law with existing legislation, including the Land Law, Planning Law, and Public Investment Law, to prevent conflicts and overlaps.
Nguyễn Thanh Hải, Chairwoman of the NA’s Committee on Deputies’ Affairs, raised concerns about existing structures violating railway safety corridors, including railway cafe streets in central Hà Nội and densely built houses along Giải Phóng Street. She questioned the availability of budget allocations for relocating affected households.
In addition to the Railway Law, the committee will review three draft laws, including amendments to the Law on Special Consumption Tax, Corporate Income Tax, and Management and Investment of State Capital in Enterprises, before potential approval at the 9th NA session.
The session will also deliberate on reducing 2024 land rental fees, discuss bills for initial consideration, and consider a draft resolution on standards for clean and strong Party organisations under the Law on Emulation and Commendation.
Chairman Mẫn emphasized that these legislative efforts are essential for driving economic growth towards the nation’s 8 per cent target and supporting the socio-economic development plan.
