On October 20, at the second session of the 16th National Assembly, Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung, as authorized by the Prime Minister, presented the Government's submission on the draft Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Commerce, the Law on Competition, the Law on Foreign Trade Management and the Law on Protection of Consumers' Rights.

The Vietnam Economic News presents the full text of Minister Le Manh Hung's remarks:

Distinguished leaders of the Party and State,

Distinguished Chairman of the National Assembly and Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly presiding over this sitting,

Distinguished members of the National Assembly,

In accordance with the agenda of the second session of the 16th National Assembly, and as authorized by the Prime Minister, I would like to present the Government's submission on the draft Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Commerce, the Law on Competition, the Law on Foreign Trade Management and the Law on Protection of Consumers' Rights.

The draft Law has been developed on the basis of three fundamental principles: first, decentralization and delegation of authority commensurate with implementation capacity; second, further streamlining administrative procedures; and third, addressing practical bottlenecks to promote production, business activities and socioeconomic development.

First, regarding the necessity, objectives and guiding principles for developing the draft Law.

From a political perspective, the draft Law seeks to institutionalize the policies and conclusions of the Party Central Committee and the Politburo on decentralization, delegation of authority, streamlining administrative procedures and improving the investment and business environment to support double-digit economic growth.

From a legal perspective, the draft Law has been formulated on the basis of the Constitution, the Law on Organization of the Government, the Law on Organization of Local Government, the National Assembly's Resolution No.190/2025/QH15, and the tasks assigned under Resolution No.119/2026/UBTVQH15 of the National Assembly Standing Committee.

From a practical perspective, the Government has proposed abolishing or simplifying 20 administrative procedures and business conditions, decentralizing and delegating authority in 10 areas, and addressing 31 existing issues, particularly those arising from the requirements of the digital economy and digital platforms.

Second, regarding the process of drafting and finalizing the proposed Law.

The draft Law has been prepared in accordance with the prescribed procedures and requirements. It has been examined by the National Assembly's Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs and considered by the National Assembly Standing Committee. The Government has proactively incorporated 21 of the 22 comments contained in the conclusions of the National Assembly Standing Committee, as well as 39 of the 45 groups of comments arising from the examination process. Written explanations have been provided for all matters requiring further clarification.

Third, regarding the contents of the draft Law.

The draft Law comprises six articles, including four articles amending the four existing laws, one article on its effective date and one article containing transitional provisions.

Regarding the Law on Commerce, the draft Law abolishes three groups of business conditions and four administrative procedures, decentralizes authority over one procedure, and amends three provisions involving overlapping regulations.

Regarding the Law on Competition, the draft Law simplifies two administrative procedures through electronic means and refines three provisions aimed at improving the regulatory framework to maintain a healthy competitive environment and ensure strict action against anti-competitive practices in the digital economy and emerging business models.

Regarding the Law on Foreign Trade Management, the draft Law abolishes two administrative procedures, simplifies nine others, decentralizes authority in five areas and refines four provisions concerning Viet Nam's exported goods.

Regarding the Law on Protection of Consumers' Rights, the draft Law decentralizes authority in four areas and refines one provision to ensure consistency with legislation on personal data protection.

The draft Law has been prepared in accordance with the procedures and processes prescribed by law. The drafting process has been conducted openly and transparently, without giving rise to additional organizational structures or staffing positions. The Government will earnestly listen to and incorporate the opinions of National Assembly deputies in order to further refine the draft Law and submit it to the National Assembly for consideration and adoption at this session.

Thank you, distinguished members of the National Assembly, for your attention.