On March 31, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision No. 708/QD-TTg, consolidating the members of the Steering Committee for reviewing and handling problems in the legal document system. This committee, now headed by Prime Minister Chinh, includes key figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long as the Standing Deputy Head, along with various ministers from essential government sectors.
The composition of the Steering Committee is extensive, featuring ministers from the National Defense, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources and Environment, Construction, Home Affairs, Culture, Sports and Tourism, Science and Technology, Education and Training, Health, Ethnic Minorities and Religious Affairs, as well as the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam and the Government Inspector General. Notably, Deputy Minister of Justice Dang Hoang Oanh and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan are also members of this committee.
Previously, on July 8, 2024, the Prime Minister established this committee through Decision No. 603/QD-TTg, tasking it with directing ministries and agencies to swiftly address problems and inadequacies identified in legal regulations. The committee is also responsible for summarizing and reviewing any emerging issues.
During a recent meeting, the committee discussed the importance of reviewing legal documents, especially those related to the Law on State Budget, Law on Public Debt Management, Law on Investment under the Public-Private Partnership method, Law on Public Investment, tax laws, and the Law on Pharmacy. The goal is to identify and resolve legal inadequacies that hinder development.
"The most important thing in organizing local government at two levels is defining the authority of the district level after it is abolished," stated Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh during the meeting. This emphasizes the need for clarity concerning the roles and responsibilities of various governmental layers as administrative structures are reformed.
As part of the ongoing efforts, ministries and localities have reviewed a staggering 19,224 documents that regulate the functions, tasks, powers, organization, and operation of local governments, agencies, and positions at the district and commune levels. This comprehensive review is critical for ensuring that the legal framework aligns with the current socio-economic development goals.
In a bid to facilitate this process, the Ministry of Justice has established a working group to handle feedback and suggestions aimed at improving the law. An information system has also been developed to streamline the reception and processing of these inputs, which is currently in a trial phase.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, who chaired the fifth meeting of the Steering Committee, emphasized the pressing nature of the tasks at hand. He urged the Government Office to draft a document assigning specific responsibilities to ministries and branches, highlighting that there is no time to delay. "We need to move forward without turning back," he noted.
In line with this urgency, all ministries are required to submit their documents to the Government before April 6, 2025, in preparation for the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly, which is expected to commence in early May. This session will address issues related to the arrangement and organization of the governmental apparatus and the implementation of Resolution 57 from the Politburo, which focuses on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Deputy Minister of Finance Le Tan Can reported that the Ministry of Finance needs to amend a significant number of legal documents—195 in total—following their review. He indicated that the workload is substantial, with teams working around the clock, including weekends, to ensure timely completion.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Science and Technology has been tasked with focusing on finalizing draft laws that will institutionalize Resolution 57, ensuring that all emerging issues related to the reorganization of the governmental structure are comprehensively addressed.
As the country moves towards a more streamlined governance model, the emphasis remains on effective communication and coordination among various ministries. The goal is to ensure that all levels of government are aligned in their efforts to enhance efficiency and accountability.
In conclusion, the Steering Committee's ongoing work is crucial for addressing the legal challenges that impede Vietnam's socio-economic growth. With a clear directive from the Prime Minister and a robust framework in place, the committee is poised to make significant strides in refining the legal landscape of the nation.
