Lawmakers urge stronger incentives to boost railway sector

Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The 15th National Assembly (NA) deliberated the draft revised Railway Law at its 9th session on June 18, with the majority of lawmakers stressing that the law is essential to institutionalise the Party’s guidelines and the State's policies, while providing a legal foundation and driving force for the development of the railway sector.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.

Cuong stressed that to give businesses the confidence to manufacture, the domestic market must be guaranteed for these products instead of importing them from foreign markets. He suggested that the law should clearly prohibit the import of goods or components listed for domestic production.

duong-sat-1.jpg
Deputy Hoang Van Cuong from Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Hoang Minh Hieu, a deputy from Nghe An province, underlined the critical importance of regulating railway infrastructure business operations as Vietnam is modernising its railway system. He said such provisions are essential for ensuring the transparent and efficient use of public assets, while attracting resources from both public and private sectors for infrastructure management, maintenance, and development.

Hieu noted that while the draft law dedicates significant space to railway construction, it pays insufficient attention to railway infrastructure business and transport operations. He proposed the drafting agency review existing regulations and draw on international legal experience to refine the bill.

Sharing insights from a recent visit to the Cat Linh–Ha Dong urban railway line, Tran Dinh Gia, a deputy of Ha Tinh province, advocated for adding "personal parking lots" to the definition of “technical infrastructure works for connection” under the law. He proposed the definition should also encompass electricity supply systems, drainage, road access to stations, transfer points between rail and road, and other relevant infrastructure. Gia also called for fare subsidies to support urban passenger rail transport.

Deputy Pham Van Hoa of Dong Thap province voiced support for offering strong preferential policies to attract investment into the capital-intensive railway sector. However, he cautioned against provisions allowing the Government to guarantee 100% of investor credit, suggesting instead low-interest or subsidised loans as a more balanced approach.

Regarding transit-oriented development (TOD), Hoa acknowledged it as a sound policy direction but stressed the need to clearly define investor entitlements to encourage greater participation of the private sector./.

VNA

See more

Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. (Photo: VNA)

National Committee for APEC 2027 established

The National Committee for APEC 2027 is tasked with assisting the PM in considering, directing, and coordinating the performance of tasks related to the preparation for and organisation of APEC conferences and related activities in 2027.

The 12th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee opened in Hanoi on the morning of July 18 (Photo: VNA)

Party Central Committee convenes 12th plenum

This plenum will focus discussions on three major groups of issues - preparations for the 14th National Party Congress; the development of a political and legal foundation for continued reform in the coming years; and personnel work.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang hold talks with Dr Mansour Ali Saeed Bajash, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen, in Hanoi on July 17 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Yemen seek to bolster bilateral relations

The two sides agreed on priority areas for future cooperation, including increased delegation exchanges, information sharing, and trade promotion, with a view to raising two-way trade above the current 50 million USD. They also discussed collaboration in the Halal industry.

☀️ Morning digest on July 18

☀️ Morning digest on July 18

PM Pham Minh Chinh's reception for Global Head of Equity and Multi Asset of FTSE Russell Gerald Toledano, the third meeting of the Vietnam – Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Committee on Economic – Trade and Scientific – Technical Cooperation, and the Foreign Ministry's regular press conference are among news highlights on July 17 evening.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (sixth from left), President of the State Audit Organisation of Laos Viengthavisone Thephachanh (seventh from left), and officials of the two countries at the reception on July 17 (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman backs stronger audit ties with Laos

The top legislator urged the SAV and SAO to advance their 2025-2028 medium-term cooperation plan and the 2021-2030 strategy, asking for more exchanges of delegations and expertise, particularly in digital transformation and staff training.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)

Maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully: Spokesperson

The Foreign Ministry spokeperson was responding to a reporter's question regarding July 12, 2025, which marked the 9th anniversary of the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the East Sea arbitration case between the Philippines and China under Annex VII of UNCLOS.

Vietnam, Azerbaijan identify 17 potential cooperation areas (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Azerbaijan identify 17 potential cooperation areas

The two sides agreed to enhance information sharing and policy consultation at all levels – from technical experts to government leaders – to promptly address issues arising during the course of cooperation, and to seek flexible solutions to balance and raise bilateral trade.

Soldiers of Vietnam's Armour - Tank Arms in a rehearsal on July 17 in preparation for the National Day parade (Photo: VNA)

National Day celebration to honour assistance of international friends: Spokeswoman

Vietnam has invited the defence ministers of Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to attend the celebration of the 80th National Day anniversary on September 2; and five countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to send forces to participate in the parade at the National Day celebration.

Do Duc Duy, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Government Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and Agriculture and Environment Minister, violated Party regulations and State laws in performing assigned duties during his tenure as Deputy Secretary of the Yen Bai provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Board, and Chairman of the People's Committee of Yen Bai province (Photo: VNA)

Politburo, Secretariat discipline Party members for wrongdoings

The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 17 considered and issued disciplinary measures against two incumbent and former officials for serious violations of the Party's regulations and the State's laws while performing their duties.

The talks between officials of Lang Son province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on July 17 (Photo: VNA)

Lang Son, China’s Guangxi enhance cooperation in key sectors

The two sides discussed ways to accelerate joint projects and agreements and expand the list of Vietnam’s exports to China. They also proposed boosting cooperation in vocational training, especially in high-tech industries and sustainable agriculture, to meet the development needs of both sides.