Vietnam’s Central Steering Committee for Institutional Perfection and Law Enforcement, led by Tô Lâm, has set an ambitious agenda for institutional reform, administrative streamlining, and legal modernization, with the goal of achieving substantial progress by the end of 2026. During its inaugural meeting in Hanoi, Tô Lâm underscored the necessity for government bodies to produce tangible outcomes rather than symbolic gestures. He emphasized that the success of these reforms should be measured by the completion of legal documents, the simplification of administrative processes, the resolution of legal challenges, and the establishment of clear leadership accountability.
The meeting, attended by prominent figures such as Lê Minh Hưng and Trần Thanh Mẫn, highlighted the urgency for ministries and agencies to act promptly on the committee’s resolutions. Tô Lâm directed these entities to set up monitoring systems and provide regular updates on their progress, including any delays or issues that might need intervention from higher authorities. Among the key areas of focus were strengthening the state economy, enhancing conditions for foreign investment, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, tackling urban air pollution, and revising the criminal procedure framework.
In terms of foreign investment, the committee articulated the necessity for policies that are competitive and conducive to technology transfer, research and development, workforce training, and the advancement of green and digital innovations. They stressed the importance of vigilant oversight of strategic investors and called for better coordination at the regional level to attract foreign capital effectively.
Addressing the critical issue of air pollution in major urban centers, the officials proposed a transition to an outcome-based approach for managing air quality. This would involve the deployment of advanced environmental monitoring systems, enhanced early-warning mechanisms, and clearly defined accountability for pollution sources. Additionally, the committee advocated for administrative reforms to become a continual obligation rather than a temporary initiative, promoting post-inspection oversight and risk-based governance over burdensome pre-approval requirements.
On the judicial front, the committee is considering amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code. These revisions aim to strike a balance between effective crime prevention and fairness, with a focus on asset recovery and supporting socio-economic development. The proposed changes reflect a comprehensive approach to reforming Vietnam’s legal and administrative landscape, ensuring that the nation’s governance aligns with contemporary needs and challenges.