Minister of Indusry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh (standing) explains issues related to the bill at the session (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – National Assembly deputies on May 25debated the draft law on foreign trade management during their ongoing thirdsession.
They held that many articles of the bill remained merely principles,such as those on tariff quota, the appointment of border gates forimport-export, the management of licences, as well as relevant procedure, andpolicies.
Therefore, the enforcement of the law will depend on theissuance of guidance documents by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT),they said.
Deputy Pham Van Tuan from Thai Binh suggested that specificregulations should be included in the bill to ensure transparency. The authorityof the Government and local administrations should be clarified, along with theresponsibility of the MoIT in administrative reform, science-technologyapplication and granting import-export licences.
Regarding the State management over foreign trade, thedeputies held that as the bill gives a lot of authority to the MOIT, it isnecessary to design control and supervision mechanisms.
On the regulations on banned import-export activities, thedeputies proposed that the bill must contain a list of goods banned fromimport-export in accordance to the country’s international commitments,including the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade.
They stressed the need for specific regulations on policiesto encourage and promote foreign trade, as well as stronger decentralization tolocal governments and representative offices abroad regarding trade promotionwork, along with measures to support enterprises in foreign trade activities.-VNA
Law makers discussed adjustments to the 2017 law and ordinance making programme as well as draft contents of the 2018 programme at the ongoing third session of the 14th National Assembly on May 23
Lawmakers spent a lot of time debating the age of responsibility for various crimes, including deliberately injuring people, rape and kidnapping when discussing amendments to the 2015 Penal Code.
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.
Minister of Indusry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh (standing) explains issues related to the bill at the session (Photo: VNA) 
