Vietnam’s National Assembly Standing Committee is assessing a draft law designed to streamline administrative processes and business regulations in the agriculture and environment sectors. The proposed legislation seeks to amend 10 existing laws, including those concerning plant protection, animal husbandry, fisheries, irrigation, water resources, veterinary services, and crop production. Aimed at reducing bureaucracy, the bill proposes the removal of 38 administrative procedures and 40 business conditions while simplifying 13 additional procedures.
The anticipated reforms promise to cut processing times by a substantial 904 days and save businesses approximately VNĐ189.9 billion (US$7.3 million) in compliance costs. Lawmakers have stressed the importance of maintaining robust regulatory oversight even as they look to increase decentralization. This initiative is seen as a step towards enhancing efficiency in sectors critical to Vietnam’s economy.
In addition to streamlining processes, the bill encourages the adoption of digital tools such as QR codes and product traceability systems. These technologies aim to improve inspection processes and ensure the quality of agricultural products, reflecting a push towards modernizing Vietnam’s regulatory landscape.
The committee has underscored the need to balance regulatory oversight with reforms that promote convenience and efficiency. Emphasizing the use of digital solutions signifies a pivotal shift towards integrating technology in regulatory practices, a move likely to benefit both businesses and regulatory bodies.
The final version of the draft law is expected to be ready by July 25, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s legislative efforts to foster a more business-friendly environment while safeguarding public and environmental interests.