The ninth extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly opened on February 12 and is set to conclude on February 19. The session will focus on streamlining government operations and addressing key legislative and personnel matters.

Key legislative amendments under discussion

The primary focus of this session is the implementation of Resolution 18, which aims to restructure and optimize government operations. Lawmakers will review and approve:

Amendments to the Law on Organization of the National Assembly

Amendments to the Law on Organization of the Government

Amendments to the Law on Organization of Local Governments

Amendments to the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents

A resolution addressing the restructuring of state institutions

A resolution on the organization of National Assembly bodies, particularly regarding the naming and functions of its specialized committees

Proposed changes to government and National Assembly structure

The session will also consider adjustments to the composition of the National Assembly Standing Committee and the structure of the government for the current legislative term.

A proposed resolution suggests restructuring the government into 14 ministries and three ministerial-level agencies:

Ministries: Defense, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Justice, Finance, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Environment, Construction, Culture-Sports-Tourism, Science and Technology, Education and Training, Health, and Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

Ministerial-level agencies: State Bank of Vietnam, Government Inspectorate, and Government Office.

Currently, the government consists of 25 members, including the prime minister, five deputy prime ministers, and various ministers and agency heads.

Regarding the National Assembly structure, the proposal suggests consolidating its committees into:

The Ethnic Affairs Council

The Committee on Law and Justice

The Committee on Economy and Finance

The Committee on Culture and Society

The Committee on National Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs

The Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment

The Committee on Petitions and Oversight

The Committee on Legislative Affairs

Currently, the National Assembly operates with nine specialized committees covering a broader range of legislative functions.

Economic growth and major infrastructure projects

Beyond legislative amendments, the National Assembly will also discuss Vietnam’s 2025 socio-economic development plan, which sets a target GDP growth rate of at least 8%.

According to government projections, achieving this growth rate in 2025 is crucial for laying the foundation for double-digit economic expansion from 2026 onward. The government emphasizes that economic growth must be accompanied by macroeconomic stability, inflation control, and environmental sustainability.

Additionally, the National Assembly will review:

A resolution on science, technology, and innovation policies

Special policies for urban railway development

The investment framework for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project

Special policies for the construction of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant

Key infrastructure projects under review

Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project

Total length: 390.9 km (with an additional 27.9 km of branch lines)

Route: Passes through Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong

Investment model: Public investment

Estimated cost: $8.37 billion

Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant project

Scope: Two nuclear plants, each with two reactor units

Locations: Phuoc Dinh (Thuan Nam District) and Vinh Hai (Ninh Hai District)

Completion target: December 31, 2030, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 85th anniversary of the nation’s founding

The approval of these projects is expected to significantly impact Vietnam’s energy security and transportation infrastructure, supporting long-term economic growth.

Tran Thuong