The Committee for Science, Technology and Environment reviews the draft Law on Railways (amended)

Attending were members of the Committee; representatives of some agencies of the National Assembly; representatives of the Ministry of Construction ; and relevant ministries and branches.

The Committee for Science , Technology and Environment reviews the draft Law on Railways (amended)

Creating a legal corridor for railway development

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy said that the development of the Railway Law (amended) aims to continue institutionalizing the Party and State's policies and guidelines on modern, synchronous, sustainable railway development policies with a focus and key points, in line with the conditions and plans, strategies for socio -economic development and national security and defense of the country; overcoming existing institutional shortcomings and inadequacies, creating new momentum for the development of the railway industry, promoting the competitiveness of railway transport; improving the effectiveness and efficiency of serving people's travel needs, as well as state management of railway activities.

Based on the five approved policies, the Ministry of Construction has concretized them into specific regulations in the draft Law and focused on five important, breakthrough innovations to create a legal corridor for railway development, specifically: investment in developing railway infrastructure; management and exploitation of railway infrastructure; railway transport activities; connecting transport modes; development of railway industry and human resources.

Chairman of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy speaks

The Deputy Minister also pointed out that the 2017 Railway Law has 20 administrative procedures, while the current draft Law has cut 4 administrative procedures, amended the implementing subjects of 10 administrative procedures to create more convenience and only inherited 6 administrative procedures. These administrative procedures have been carefully evaluated by the Ministry of Construction in the Administrative Procedure Impact Assessment Report. At the same time, the draft Law has cut 33% of conditional business lines currently stipulated in the 2017 Railway Law.

Session view

Through discussion, delegates basically agreed with the necessity of the draft Law and emphasized that the completion of institutions and laws on railways this time is expected to create a solid legal corridor, remove barriers, unlock resources, create new momentum for the development of the industry, better meet the requirements of sustainable socio-economic development and deep international integration in the new period.

Basically agreeing with the scope of regulation and subjects of application of the draft Law, some members of the Committee proposed to clarify the scope of regulation of the draft Law for urban railways, high-speed railways and specialized railways; railway business, exploitation of land funds in the vicinity of railway stations.

There are suggestions that it is necessary to continue reviewing and comparing the provisions of the draft Law with relevant laws to ensure consistency and uniformity of the legal system. The drafting agency should study and supplement principles such as: encouraging localization and development of domestic industry, promoting the connection between the railway industry and supporting industries; technological innovation and technology transfer to improve production and operation efficiency and enhance competitiveness; safety, efficiency and environmental protection in all stages from production, assembly, maintenance to operation of railway vehicles; synchronizing training plans, developing human resources participating in research and activities in the railway sector, moving towards technological autonomy.

Vice Chairman of the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Ta Dinh Thi speaks

In addition, it is necessary to promote cooperation between schools, institutes and enterprises in research, testing and transfer, international cooperation activities through research and transfer at universities, research institutes as a bridge for enterprises, types of investment incentives, credit incentives, and incentives in technology development need to be more clearly defined in the draft Law.

In addition, delegates also gave their opinions on promoting digital transformation, using advanced technology in operating and managing the railway system; mobilizing diverse capital sources for railway development; ensuring national security and defense for railway routes...

National Assembly Delegate Nguyen Quang Huan (Binh Duong) speaks

On behalf of the drafting agency, the representative of the Ministry of Construction acknowledged the comments on the draft Law and explained and clarified a number of issues raised by delegates at the meeting; affirmed that the Ministry will continue to coordinate with the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment in the process of reviewing and completing the draft Law before submitting it to the National Assembly at the Ninth Session.

Concluding this content, Chairman of the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy said that the draft Law on Railways (amended) is qualified to be submitted to the National Assembly in the 9th Session and highly appreciated the efforts and seriousness of the Government and the drafting agency in preparing the dossier and documents.

Taking note of the comments from the Ethnic Council, the National Assembly Committees, relevant agencies and delegates attending the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment also requested that the National Assembly agencies continue to coordinate with the Standing Committee to complete the draft verification report.

News and photos: Thanh Chi

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/uy-ban-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-moi-truong-tham-tra-du-an-luat-duong-sat-sua-doi-post411881.html