The session, scheduled from February 12 to 19, will cover a range of critical issues, including legal reforms, economic strategies, and infrastructure development.

Key legislative and economic discussions

The opening session on February 12 will begin with remarks from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, followed by a presentation and review of the government’s proposal on socio-economic development for 2025, which targets a GDP growth rate of at least 8%.

During the session, lawmakers will discuss:

Amendments to the Law on Organization of the National Assembly

Amendments to the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents

Amendments to the Law on Organization of the Government

Amendments to the Law on Organization of Local Governments

A resolution on restructuring state institutions

A resolution defining the structure of National Assembly committees

Additionally, the National Assembly will review investment plans for major infrastructure projects, including:

The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway, a 390.9 km high-speed rail project estimated at $8.37 billion.

Urban railway policies for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with proposed special mechanisms to accelerate metro expansion.

The Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant, which will feature two plants with two reactor units each, supporting Vietnam’s long-term energy security.

Additional capital investment for the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) for the 2024-2026 period.

Government restructuring and new organizational model

A key highlight of the session is the prime minister’s formal submission of a proposal outlining the government’s structure for the 15th National Assembly term.

The proposed government structure includes:

14 ministries: National 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.

3 ministerial-level agencies: The State Bank of Vietnam, the Government Inspectorate, and the Government Office.

Currently, the government comprises 25 members, including the prime minister, five deputy prime ministers, and various ministers and agency heads. The restructuring aims to optimize operations while ensuring administrative efficiency.

Changes to National Assembly committees

The session will also finalize a proposal to restructure National Assembly committees, reducing their number from nine to seven, with the new structure including:

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

These changes align with Resolution 18, which mandates administrative streamlining across government institutions.

Timeline for implementation

February 18: The National Assembly will conduct personnel reviews and discuss appointments within restructured government bodies.

February 19: Lawmakers will vote on key resolutions and finalize decisions on restructuring and personnel changes.

Following the session, the National Assembly will begin implementing the new government structure, ensuring that officials are appointed based on merit and expertise, in line with Resolution 18’s objectives of selecting the most capable individuals for leadership roles.

Tran Thuong