A National Assembly deputy from Quang Tri has raised concerns that Vietnam’s planning process is being undermined by excessive administrative procedures, arguing that plans lose their practical value if they cannot be implemented directly.
On the morning of April 10, the National Assembly held group discussions on socio-economic development.
Speaking during the session, Deputy Nguyen Khanh Vu (Quang Tri delegation) commented on the medium-term public investment plan for 2026-2030, emphasizing that public investment serves as the “lifeblood” that drives and unlocks resources for economic development. When this flow is obstructed, the entire economy risks stagnation.
Delegate Nguyen Khanh Vu speaks during the group session.
What is most concerning, he noted, is not a lack of resources but the fact that these resources are being constrained by barriers created within the system itself, preventing them from reaching optimal efficiency.
According to the deputy, the most significant bottleneck lies in overlapping and inconsistent legal regulations. Projects must navigate multiple laws, yet none assumes full responsibility. When conflicts arise between legal frameworks, no authority steps forward to resolve them due to concerns over accountability.
A legal ‘anchor’ to empower officials
Nguyen Khanh Vu proposed that the Government review and eliminate cumbersome administrative procedures and resolve inconsistencies among the Law on Public Investment, the State Budget Law, the Construction Law and other relevant legislation. He suggested redesigning the system around a single focal point, a unified process and clear accountability.
“This would create a transparent legal corridor and a synchronized operational process, ensuring smooth implementation and a safe legal environment for investment,” he said.
He also stressed the need for mechanisms to protect proactive and innovative officials who act in the public interest, so that those committed to doing the right thing are no longer hindered by fear of making mistakes.
“A clear legal ‘anchor’ is needed for officials to confidently devote their full efforts to advancing projects, removing the current hesitation caused by legal risks,” he added.
The deputy further pointed out that planning is often followed by too many procedural loops.
“I propose integrating all land-related factors at the planning stage. Once a plan is approved, procedures for land-use conversion should be automatically completed. Relevant authorities, as defined by law, should participate in appraisal at this stage to reduce post-planning procedures,” he said.
“If planning cannot move directly into implementation, it lacks real-world value.”
He also recommended early allocation of resources to give localities more time for project preparation and execution, while compensating for delays caused by natural disasters such as storms and floods. Priority should be given to provinces that cannot balance their budgets, particularly those with strategic importance like Quang Tri, to enable more balanced regional development.
Addressing bottlenecks in site clearance
Delegate Nguyen Thi Tuyen.
Also contributing to the discussion, Deputy Nguyen Thi Tuyen (Hanoi delegation), Secretary of the Party Committee of advisory and assisting agencies under the Government Party Committee, noted that disbursement of public investment remains slow despite some improvements.
In practice, project implementation still faces numerous challenges. Investment procedures remain complex, involving multiple stages that prolong both preparation and execution.
Fluctuations in construction material prices, often lagging behind market rates in official announcements, create significant discrepancies. This places contractors under pressure, affecting both project timelines and efficiency. She suggested that more realistic assessments are needed to ensure fairness for contractors and feasibility for projects.
The deputy also identified site clearance as a major bottleneck that continues to delay many public investment projects.
Based on these realities, she called for tailored solutions suited to each locality to address procedural hurdles, material price issues and land clearance challenges, thereby accelerating project implementation not only in the current year but in the years ahead.
According to Nguyen Thi Tuyen, the Government has been actively working to remove obstacles and has introduced various new mechanisms and policies to promote public investment. Immediately after receiving approval from the National Assembly, Government members moved quickly into action, demonstrating strong determination in governance.
She expressed confidence that these measures would soon yield results, contributing to improved disbursement and economic growth.
Promoting high-quality tourism
National Assembly deputy, Venerable Thich Duc Thien (Dien Bien delegation), speaks during the group discussion
Offering additional perspectives on socio-economic development for 2026 and beyond, National Assembly deputy Venerable Thich Duc Thien (Dien Bien delegation) highlighted the importance of tourism as a driver of double-digit growth.
Vietnam, he noted, is home to nine UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites, including six cultural, two natural and one mixed site, along with 16 intangible cultural heritage elements, 10 documentary heritage items under the Memory of the World program, 11 biosphere reserves and four global geoparks. UNESCO has also honored numerous Vietnamese figures. Thousands of national and special national historical sites, diverse cultural assets, stunning natural landscapes and a long, beautiful coastline provide a rich foundation for tourism development.
He suggested accelerating digital transformation and applying artificial intelligence to develop smart tourism, green tourism and sustainable models, while creating high-end, in-depth experiences to increase visitor spending.
Public-private partnership (PPP) in tourism, he added, is a key driver for high-quality development, enhancing competitiveness and promoting destinations.
The effectiveness of this model can already be seen in provinces such as Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh, Tay Ninh, Da Nang and An Giang in recent years.
“The Government should review and clarify legal provisions, preferential policies on land leasing, credit access and administrative procedures to encourage businesses to invest in tourism,” he proposed.
Vietnamnet.vn
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