Streamlining Procedures, Empowering Investors

On the afternoon of November 11th, the National Assembly (NA) continued its 10th session agenda with group discussions on several draft laws: the amended Investment Law, the amended Anti-Drug Law, and amendments to the Law on Citizen Reception, the Law on Complaints, and the Law on Denunciations.

Streamlining Investment Procedures to Avoid Red Tape

Regarding the approval of investment policies in the revised Investment Law, Delegate Phan Đức Hiếu, a specialist member of the NA’s Economics and Finance Committee, highlighted a critical issue. Even after securing investment approval, businesses still face additional procedures related to construction, environmental compliance, and more. Vague regulations could force investors into a bureaucratic maze, running from one procedure to the next. Hiếu emphasized that the investment policy approval process should be simplified, serving as a foundation for investors to navigate subsequent steps. He also suggested a single point of contact for submissions, rather than requiring investors to file separate applications with multiple government agencies.

Delegate Lê Kim Toàn from Gia Lai Province pointed out that local governments often attract investment through domestic and international promotion conferences. These efforts are based on approved local socio-economic development plans, project listings, and partner engagement. However, legal inconsistencies arise during implementation. For instance, during investment promotion, potential investors may express interest and sign preliminary agreements. Yet, for projects requiring bidding or auctions, local governments’ prior agreements with investors can conflict with these legal requirements. Toàn urged a review to ensure a smooth “nest for the eagle” without legal barriers, emphasizing the need to differentiate between preferential treatment and attracting capable investors.

Regarding investor selection procedures under Article 24, Delegate Trần Anh Tuấn from Ho Chi Minh City noted three methods: land use rights auctions, project bidding, and investment policy approval. However, all projects must first obtain investment approval, creating a bottleneck. Tuấn illustrated: “An investor interested in a commercial project on a specific plot must seek investment approval. But the competent authority then initiates a selection process, which could favor the original proposer or another bidder through land auctions or project bidding.”

Is Verifying Complainants’ Identities Necessary?

The draft amendments to the Law on Citizen Reception, the Law on Complaints, and the Law on Denunciations require complainants, petitioners, and reporters to provide their full name, address, ID card number, or passport details when visiting reception centers. Delegate Bố Thị Xuân Linh from Lâm Đồng Province supported identity verification through the national electronic identification system to curb anonymous complaints. She urged the government to establish data security, storage, and management protocols for online citizen reception to prevent personal information leaks.

Delegate Vương Thị Hương from Tuyên Quang Province praised the draft law’s inclusion of direct and online citizen reception methods, aligning with digital transformation trends. This approach benefits vulnerable groups and those living far from authorities by reducing travel time and costs. However, she warned of potential risks such as data breaches, identity verification challenges, electronic data issues, and technical failures. “Without robust online platform security, complainants’ and petitioners’ information could be exposed, undermining public trust in online reception services,” Hương cautioned. Delegate Nguyễn Thị Yến from Ho Chi Minh City suggested that officials thoroughly review citizens’ petitions before meetings to provide effective guidance and solutions.

On November 12th, the NA will discuss in the main hall the draft laws on Criminal Judgment Execution (amended), Provisional Detention and Residence Restriction, amendments to the Law on Prices, and the amended Civil Aviation Law of Vietnam.