Vietnam’s National Assembly Standing Committee is considering a draft law designed to streamline administrative processes and business regulations in the agriculture and environment sectors. This proposed legislation seeks to amend 10 existing laws, which encompass areas such as plant protection, animal husbandry, fisheries, irrigation, water resources, veterinary services, and crop production.
The draft law aims to eliminate 38 administrative procedures and 40 business conditions while simplifying an additional 13 procedures. This effort is projected to cut down processing times by a total of 904 days. Furthermore, it is expected to save businesses around VNĐ189.9 billion (approximately US$7.3 million) in compliance costs, providing a significant financial relief to those operating within these sectors.
Lawmakers underscored the importance of maintaining robust regulatory oversight even as the draft law promotes decentralization. The proposed changes highlight the necessity for a balance between reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring effective governance. The incorporation of digital tools, such as QR codes and product traceability systems, is encouraged in the bill to enhance inspection processes and ensure the quality of products.
The legislative proposal is part of a broader initiative to modernize Vietnam’s regulatory framework, making it more business-friendly while safeguarding environmental and agricultural standards. The emphasis on digitalization reflects a forward-looking approach, aiming to leverage technology for more efficient regulatory practices.
As the committee continues to refine the draft, the final version is anticipated to be completed by July 25. This timeline suggests a commitment to expeditiously advancing reforms that could have lasting positive impacts on Vietnam’s agricultural and environmental sectors.