Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President Tô Lâm has called for reforms in the country’s legal framework to promote stability and adaptability, crucial for bolstering investment, economic growth, and technological development. At a recent meeting in Hà Nội focused on institutional improvement and law enforcement, Lâm emphasized the need for laws that provide clarity and certainty to citizens and businesses regarding their rights and obligations while being flexible enough to accommodate scientific and technological advancements, new business models, climate change, and international integration.
Lâm highlighted the importance of a close connection between lawmaking and enforcement, assessing their effectiveness by their ability to remove administrative and investment barriers, reduce compliance costs, unlock resources, and safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens and businesses. He advocated for a comprehensive review of current legal documents, especially those that impede investment, production, and business activities, and urged authorities to address challenges affecting the restructured state apparatus and citizens’ rights.
Looking to the future, Lâm set ambitious goals for Vietnam’s legal system, aiming for measurable targets by 2030 and envisioning a modern legal framework by 2045. This framework would be supported by digital data and artificial intelligence, alongside a professional and transparent judicial system. He also stressed the need for stronger accountability in implementing laws and policies, with clear identification of responsible agencies, required resources, implementation conditions, and expected results for each policy.
Additionally, Lâm advocated for a shift in focus towards preventing violations and managing risks, rather than relying primarily on punitive measures. He suggested leveraging digital transformation and data-based governance to improve compliance, reduce administrative costs, and enhance the efficiency of resolving civil and commercial disputes.