Revised Capital Law raises development standards above national average
VGP - The revised Capital Law would significantly raise Ha Noi's development standards, surpassing the national average and embodying the vision of a cultured, modern, and civilized city, said National Assembly Deputy and Vice President of National Economics University Hoang Van Cuong.
National Assembly Deputy and Vice President of National Economics University Hoang Van Cuong at the discussion session, Ha Noi, November 27, 2023
The deputy made the assessment during a discussion session at the National Assembly on the draft law project on November 27 in Ha Noi.
Cuong highlighted the need for the revised Capital Law to set higher development requirements. He emphasized the importance of creating a mechanism to harness internal advantages and foster a strong allure to attract external sources for investment.
"It is necessary for the law to define roles, responsibilities, and powers that the capital's government and residents assume, some of which will be distinct from those of other localities in the country," Cuong stressed.
The deputy underscored the importance of a comprehensive and synchronized approach in establishing standards, regulations, and development planning for the capital.
Deputy Nguyen Thi Lan from the Ha Noi National Assembly delegation expressed general agreement with many aspects of the amended Capital Law. She praised the comprehensive and serious preparation of the draft, which assesses the outcomes of the implementation of the 2012 Capital Law and clearly defines the context, position, role, and requirements for capital development in the current situation.
"The draft law has updated its provisions to be compatible with other laws, such as those related to land, science and technology, innovation, talent attraction, and the global context," Lan noted.
According to Lan, the bill is considered to be highly inheritable and closely aligned with guidelines and policies for the country's overall development and the capital's development in the foreseeable future.
In particular, Lan noted that the draft law introduces novel elements aimed at advancing science and technology, linking them to practice, and positioning Ha Noi as a leading hub for innovation, research, development, and technology transfer at national and regional levels. The emphasis is on fostering a creative entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In addressing science and technology matters related to the capital, with a particular focus on Article 25 of the draft law, she called for more incentives and favorable conditions for scientists and researchers.
"The amendment should mandate the Ha Noi People's Committee to develop a focused, interdisciplinary, and continuous science, technology, and innovation program that addresses key issues or fields facing the city and links them to final products bearing the city's brand," Lan said.
Importance of draft amended Capital Law
During the discussion session, Minister of Justice Le Thanh Long reported that there have been over 100 comments on the Law project, both in group discussions and in written form.
Long emphasized that there is unanimous agreement on the necessity of enacting this law.
"The project has a clear legal, political, and practical basis and provides specific mechanisms not only for Ha Noi as a city but also as the national capital," Long said.
The minister highlighted that if well-crafted mechanisms are established for the capital's development, it can act as a driving force for socio-economic development while ensuring national defense, security, and cultural advancement for the entire country—a view widely supported by the deputies.
Furthermore, Long mentioned that deputies agreed with the mechanisms and policies outlined in the draft law. However, they also suggested clarifications on certain policies, expansions in scope and specificity, and adjustments in the order and content of some chapters and articles. Specific issues such as housing, talent-based urban management, Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), and cultural matters were also highlighted for more detailed consideration.
The minister assured the deputies that their opinions would be thoroughly studied, assimilated, and explained by the agencies responsible for drafting the law. The feedback, along with a report from Hanoi, will be forwarded to the Government and the National Assembly Standing Committee to further refine the bill for consideration and approval in subsequent sessions.
The final version of the draft revised Capital Law is set to be presented for approval during the National Assembly's 7th session in May 2024./.
