On the morning of February 12, the National Assembly discussed amendments to the Law on Organization of the National Assembly and the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents.

Ensuring effective governance through restructuring

Speaking at the session for Ho Chi Minh City’s delegation, President Luong Cuong noted that this was his first participation with the city’s National Assembly representatives.

He acknowledged the rigorous legislative process, citing National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s remarks during the opening session. The current National Assembly term has required frequent extraordinary meetings to address critical national issues and accelerate reforms.

Commitment to institutional reforms

President Luong Cuong emphasized that Resolution 18, which mandates government restructuring, has been in effect for eight years but has yet to fully meet expectations.

“The Politburo and the Secretariat have reviewed and reported to the Central Committee. The objective of restructuring is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Whatever changes we make, the new system must function better than the old one,” he stated.

To ensure a more effective administration, the president noted that implementing Resolution 18 requires addressing over 5,000 laws and regulations, including amendments to 200 existing laws. Among these, four key legislative reforms are prioritized:

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

Additionally, five resolutions related to the implementation of Resolution 18 will be considered for revision. The Politburo and the Secretariat have held extensive discussions, reaching a consensus that reforms must be implemented at all levels of government.

President Luong Cuong reiterated the importance of three fundamental breakthroughs for national development: institutional reform, human resource development, and infrastructure expansion. He pointed out that institutional barriers remain the most significant challenge.

"We must tackle obstacles wherever possible. That’s why we are holding this ninth extraordinary session," he said.

The role of Ho Chi Minh City in economic growth

President Luong Cuong urged National Assembly deputies to leverage their expertise and practical experience to refine laws and strengthen governance.

Regarding economic growth, he emphasized the goal of achieving at least 8% GDP growth in 2025 and double-digit growth from 2026 onward. He posed the question: "How do we unlock potential to achieve this target?"

He also highlighted Ho Chi Minh City’s crucial role as a national economic powerhouse, noting that even a 1% increase in the city's GDP would be equivalent to a double-digit increase in smaller provinces.

The president urged city leaders to identify and resolve any regulatory hurdles preventing Ho Chi Minh City from accelerating growth. "The city must truly be a leading force in economic development, innovation, and dynamism," he stated.

Looking ahead to the national development goals for 2030-2045, President Luong Cuong emphasized that while economic growth is essential, improving citizens’ quality of life is equally important.

"Whatever we do, people’s lives must improve - not just economically. In the past, the priority was having enough to eat and wear. Now, the goal is to enjoy better living standards," he remarked.

Tran Thuong