Expectations for overall national development

- Dr. Tran Du Lich, member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council:

Loosen the "tight garment"

This is the first time the National Assembly will pass a resolution comprising two major groups of content. Firstly, it outlines a mechanism for expanded decentralization and delegation of authority in state management across five areas, including investment, budget, construction, natural resources and environment, and the organization of the administrative apparatus and civil servants for Thu Duc City. Expanding decentralization and delegation means that some tasks previously handled by the Government will now be delegated to the city, which will be responsible for them, with the Government retaining its role in inspection and supervision. This is crucial, reducing the "request-and-grant" mechanism regarding financial instruments and increasing the autonomy and accountability of local governments.

Secondly, there are the need for superior mechanisms. In line with Resolution 31 and Resolution 24 of the Politburo , Ho Chi Minh City is the nucleus and driving force of development for the entire region. To exploit these resources, superior mechanisms are needed to attract strategic investors, investors in high-tech and innovative fields, or to mobilize appropriate financial and land resources. For example, expanding the scope of the PPP mechanism in sports and culture; allowing the city to expand the mechanism of issuing local government bonds to increase investment, repaid from the state budget; or policies to increase income for officials and civil servants to create motivation for work… From these pilot projects, in the future, practical experience will be gained to move towards building a law on special cities, such as the 10 million-population city of Ho Chi Minh City.

The new resolution includes more systematic mechanisms and policies compared to Resolution 54. It addresses a problem that has been discussed for the past 20 years: Ho Chi Minh City is "too constrained." For a megacity with over 10 million inhabitants, management mechanisms must be "loosened" for the city to develop. This time, learning from Resolution 54, Ho Chi Minh City has prepared hundreds of projects and programs in parallel with the process of drafting and submitting the new resolution. Once the resolution is passed and Ho Chi Minh City completes its transportation infrastructure, bottlenecks will be removed, allowing the city to develop. I believe the National Assembly will approve and implement this resolution. In the group discussions and plenary sessions, most delegates expressed agreement and support, with some even expressing a desire for stronger mechanisms and policies for Ho Chi Minh City.

- Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hoa, Head of the Electronic Information Department, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications:

A new mindset and way of thinking.

The resolution replacing Resolution 54 of the National Assembly on piloting special mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City can be said to be a preparatory process for an important milestone, shaping the development of Ho Chi Minh City in the post-Covid-19 pandemic period, and also an opportunity to carefully examine and evaluate old shortcomings and form a new vision - new actions.

Looking back on the past, people often use metaphors like "the shirt has become too tight," "the mechanism is outdated," "lack of capital," "bottlenecks," and "obstacles." Looking to the future, we see expectations such as "new momentum," "a new runway," "a new garment," and "policy pilot programs," but above all, it's about the mindset of renewing ourselves.

The recent economic downturn has prompted reflection on many aspects of life. Expectations for Ho Chi Minh City's breakthrough as the leading economic engine demand new commitments and decisive action. This "new impetus" requires new energy, a driving force, and a roadmap to accelerate progress and overcome obstacles. The question is, what will trigger this new impetus? This new impetus can come from both internal and external sources, but intrinsic value is paramount. Within a group, the strength of a unified collective is always greater than the sum of its individual members.

"A new runway" indicates a destination and a need for acceleration, but without overcoming obstacles, the "new runway" offers no new value. The "headwinds," gravity, and the mission on our shoulders further illuminate the role of that runway.

"The 'new coat' represents joy for everyone, a jubilant connection between individuals and society. This 'new coat' requires a meticulous tailoring process, considering many aspects. It also redefines who we are and what we need to do for the city's development, for the benefit of the nation and together with the nation. This metaphor is also very similar to 'new wine in old bottles,' therefore, donning the 'new coat' also demands a new mindset and way of thinking; it requires unity from top to bottom, and seamless coordination from all sides."

"Policy piloting" is more of a task than a wish. Bearing the responsibility of pioneering groundbreaking policies, Ho Chi Minh City needs to accept significant risks and challenges. The joy doesn't come unexpectedly; the policies we are striving to adjust and develop all stem from real-life situations. It is from these inadequacies and discrepancies that we gain valuable lessons, which serve as input for today's major challenges. Of course, with such a complex problem, the attention and support of central and local authorities are absolutely essential for Ho Chi Minh City to realize a new development roadmap.

- Lawyer NGO VIET BAC, Head of Saigon Tay Nguyen Law Office, Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association:

An opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to demonstrate its responsibility to the whole country.

Since the beginning of the 5th session of the 15th National Assembly, information related to the new resolution replacing Resolution 54 of the National Assembly on piloting breakthrough mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City has attracted great attention from National Assembly deputies, leaders of provinces and cities, and voters nationwide.

Information from the mass media reveals the serious, scientific preparation and sense of responsibility, as well as the determination to make breakthroughs, of Ho Chi Minh City regarding the draft resolution. Furthermore, the departments, agencies, and localities of Ho Chi Minh City have also planned to implement the new resolution as soon as it is promulgated by the National Assembly. The Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Van Mai, has repeatedly affirmed that Ho Chi Minh City is seeking to pilot mechanisms to create development and practical implementation to contribute to the whole country, rather than asking for special privileges or favorable conditions for the city.

The fundamental difference between the new draft resolution and Resolution 54 lies in its stated goals and objectives. Specifically, while Resolution 54 focused on mechanisms and policies to generate revenue, the new draft resolution primarily focuses on investment and development of mechanisms and policies to attract social investment resources, remove obstacles in project procedures, and pilot new forms of investment. Ho Chi Minh City boldly requested to pilot these initiatives, providing the central government with practical experience for wider implementation. This can also be seen as an environment for the central government to pilot new policies before amending and supplementing legal regulations and applying them nationwide.

These achievements demonstrate Ho Chi Minh City's proactive approach in fulfilling its responsibilities as the leading economic engine of the country and a new driving force for the Southern Key Economic Region – as set out in Resolution 31-NQ/TW, Resolution 24-NQ/TW of the Politburo, and Resolution 81/2023/QH15 of the National Assembly. Therefore, the greatest aspiration of the Party Committee, government, and people of Ho Chi Minh City is to receive the support of National Assembly representatives through the new resolution, thereby providing Ho Chi Minh City with mechanisms to remove bottlenecks and unlock resources for the city's development.

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