A national database of legal documents will be developed to make it easier for ministries, agencies and provinces and centrally-run cities to search and use legal papers.

According to Government Decree No 52/2015/ND-CP on the national database of laws, the database will be a collection of digital legal documents managed by the Government. Documents will be grouped into two categories: central and local legal documents.

The all-inclusive database aims to provide legal documents expeditiously for state management purposes, promoting the popularisation of laws, legal research and law enforcement of agencies, organisations and individuals.

Documents included in the database are issued by central agencies, provincial People’s Councils and the People’s Committees.

All documents and their digital versions must be sent to the database management team within two working days from the date of their signing or issuing. The document will then be uploaded within 15 days.

Documents relating to emergency cases, such as epidemics or natural disasters, will be updated to the database within two days.

Ministers and leaders of ministerial-level agencies are responsible for organising the update of documents they themselves issue or lead the compilation process. The Ministry of Justice will be responsible for documents drafted and issued by the National Assembly.

Provincial legal documents will be the realm of Chairman of the provincial People’s Committees.-VNA