Special policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang need to have focus.

On the evening of November 24, continuing the 51st Session, the National Assembly Standing Committee gave opinions on the draft Resolutions of the National Assembly amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Resolution on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

According to the Government's submission, the draft Resolution of the National Assembly amending and supplementing a number of articles of Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15 on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City adds content on the establishment of a Free Trade Zone and removes regulations on Thu Duc city due to the implementation of a two-level local government, Thu Duc city has ceased operations since July 1, 2025.

Regarding the important content of the Resolution, Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang said that it is related to the establishment of Ho Chi Minh City Free Trade Zone, stipulating a complete legal framework for this model including 7 policies.

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang speaks. (Photo: Doan Tan/VNA)

That is: Decentralization of the City People's Committee to decide on the establishment, expansion and adjustment of the boundaries of the Free Trade Zone; the City People's Council to decide on the order and procedures for the establishment, expansion and adjustment of the boundaries of the Free Trade Zone; assigning the Management Board of the City's Export Processing Zones and Industrial Parks to perform the functions and tasks of direct state management of the Free Trade Zone; the management authority of the Customs agency; allowing land allocation and land lease without auction or bidding for investment projects in the Free Trade Zone (except for commercial housing projects); reforming administrative procedures and investment conditions; incentives for corporate income tax and personal income tax for experts, scientists and high-quality workers; allowing enterprises in the zone to list, price and make payments in foreign currency.

In the summary report on the preliminary review of the draft Resolution, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai said that the majority of opinions of the Standing Committee of the Economic and Financial Committee agreed with the policy of establishing a free trade zone in Ho Chi Minh City. The policies expected to be issued are basically similar to the regulations of the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone.

Also at the meeting, the National Assembly Standing Committee gave opinions on the National Assembly's Draft Resolution amending and supplementing a number of articles of Resolution No. 136/2024/QH15 on the organization of urban government and piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Da Nang city. The Draft Resolution also added a number of provisions related to the Free Trade Zone.

On the basis of Da Nang city after administrative boundary merger, the establishment of the Free Trade Zone is not only linked to seaports, airports, international financial centers but also oriented to expand to the South (linked to Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Chu Lai Airport, Nam Giang International Border Gate...).

Along with that is the addition of the nature of the Da Nang Free Trade Zone as an area with outstanding and breakthrough policies to promote exports, industry, research and development (R&D) activities, and attract high-quality human resources. The Draft Resolution also ensures the similarity of policies and investment attraction between the Free Trade Zones of the 3 cities: Da Nang, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking at the session, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized that the National Assembly Standing Committee agrees with the special and outstanding mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang and requires that the development of mechanisms and policies must have a focus and key points, avoid spreading, ensure feasibility, and promptly resolve newly arising issues.

In addition, it is necessary to strongly decentralize and delegate power to localities. Localities, ministries and branches also need to pay attention to prevent negativity, corruption and policy abuse.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks. (Photo: Doan Tan/VNA)

Regarding the implementation method, the National Assembly Chairman suggested that after this meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee, the Government should direct the Ministry of Finance to coordinate with the People's Committees of Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City to absorb and carefully complete the Submissions.

At the same time, the Economic and Financial Committee coordinates closely with the Law and Justice Committee to examine and include contents under the authority of the National Assembly; assigns the Government to regulate contents under the authority of the Government. The Law and Justice Committee coordinates closely with the Economic and Financial Committee to examine specific contents.

Also at the meeting, the National Assembly Standing Committee gave opinions on explaining, accepting and revising the draft Law on Cyber Security before submitting it to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at the 10th Session./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/chinh-sach-dac-thu-phat-trien-thanh-pho-ho-chi-minh-da-nang-can-co-trong-tam-post1079023.vnp