Creating a breakthrough in the development of Hai Phong City.

(Chinhphu.vn) - On the morning of April 17, continuing the program of the 44th Session, under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly gave opinions on the draft Resolution replacing Resolution No. 35/2021/QH15 on piloting some specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Hai Phong city.

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang presented the proposal at the session.

In his summary presentation, Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang stated that the issuance of a new Resolution replacing Resolution No. 35/2021/QH15 of the National Assembly on piloting some specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Hai Phong city, aimed at removing bottlenecks, creating breakthroughs, having a significant ripple effect in the Red River Delta region, and making a greater contribution to the national economic growth rate, is necessary and consistent with the objectives set by the Politburo in Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW and Conclusion No. 96-KL/TW.

The draft Resolution of the National Assembly stipulates 6 major policy groups with 41 specific policies, including: Investment management (2 policies); State financial and budget management (4 policies); Planning, urban, resource, and environmental management (9 policies); Science and technology and innovation management (8 policies); Income of officials, civil servants, and public employees under the management of Hai Phong city (1 policy); Establishment and mechanisms and policies in the new generation Free Trade Zone in Hai Phong city (17 policies).

Specifically, the draft Resolution stipulates several special preferential policies in the new generation Hai Phong Free Trade Zone, such as: Simplifying administrative procedures in investment and business; import and export procedures; immigration, temporary residence and work permit procedures (Clause 1); land and construction investment procedures (Clause 2, Clause 3); Optimizing investment incentives regarding land rent, water surface rent, and taxes (Clause 5); and other investment and business activities in the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone (Clause 6, Clause 7).

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai presented the verification report at the session.

Presenting the verification report, Chairman of the Economic and Finance Committee Phan Van Mai stated that the Standing Committee approved the issuance of a Resolution replacing Resolution 35 on special policies for the development of Hai Phong City.

Regarding the establishment of a new-generation free trade zone in Hai Phong, the Standing Committee believes this is a major issue, not only economic in nature but also related to national defense, security, order, and social safety. Therefore, the Standing Committee requests clarification on: the impact on economic growth, budget, and society; the regional spillover effects; the risk management mechanism and monitoring mechanism to ensure transparency while maintaining financial security, economic security, and social order; the addition of a periodic monitoring system; and the responsibilities of relevant individuals and organizations in the implementation.

Regarding tax incentives in the Economic Zone, the Standing Committee agreed with the application of corporate income tax incentives as they are similar to those applied to the Economic Zone; however, the application period is longer. Therefore, the Standing Committee suggested reconsidering the incentive period. In cases where enterprises are subject to the global minimum tax rate, they should pay taxes according to the corresponding regulations. Regarding personal income tax incentives, the Draft does not specify an application period; therefore, it is suggested that this be clearly defined to provide a basis for implementation.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man suggested that policies on decentralization and delegation of power should be more clearly and strongly reflected in the draft resolution.

Speaking at the session, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized the guiding principle of the Politburo and General Secretary To Lam: "Local authorities decide, local authorities act, local authorities take responsibility," while the Central Committee, the National Assembly, and the Government create and supervise. Therefore, the National Assembly Chairman suggested that policies on decentralization and delegation of power should be more clearly and strongly reflected in the draft resolution.

Regarding the proposal to allow Hai Phong city to convert over 500 hectares of rice paddy land for other purposes, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man suggested further consideration and research on larger scales, especially after the merger of Hai Duong province with Hai Phong city. Along with that, more favorable financial and budgetary incentives are needed; and permission should be granted to issue special bonds such as green bonds and infrastructure bonds with preferential interest rates.

Vu Phong

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/tao-dot-pha-phat-trien-tp-hai-phong-102250417142344881.htm