HÀ NỘI — The vote to approve the controversial draft Law on Special Administrative and Economic Units will be postponed until the sixth National Assembly session, to commence in October, instead of the on-going fifth.

According to a special announcement released early on Saturday morning from the Government Office, the postponement aims to provide the Government with more time to study and complete debates on the draft law.

The Law on Special Administrative and Economic Units of Vân Đồn, Bắc Vân Phong and Phú Quốc had been built carefully and elaborately to institutionalise Party resolutions and materialise the 2013 Constitution to create a legal basis for the construction of three special economic zones, said the announcement. 

The draft law was submitted to the month-long fourth National Assembly last October and November for comments.

After receiving enthusiastic and considered opinions of NA deputies, scientists, economists, experts, voters and people throughout the country during the current fifth NA meetings, the Government agreed with the NA Standing Committee to re-consider and postpone the adoption of the draft law until the next meeting. The move is hoped to meet the requirements and aspirations of NA deputies, voters and people to successfully build three special zones, firmly maintaining national security and sovereignty.

Regarding the duration of land leases, the Government will consider and submit to the National Assembly for adoption regulations as prescribed in the Land Law. There will be no regulations on a special land lease of up to 99 years in special economic zones.

Earlier on Thursday, on the sidelines of the NA’s fifth session, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc affirmed to media that all opinions on the land lease period detailed in the draft law would be considered, and reasonable adjustments will be made to meet people’s aspirations.

Recently, the regulation regarding land lease of 99 years in the draft Law on Special Administrative and Economic Zones of Vân Đồn, Bắc Vân Phong and Phú Quốc (in Quảng Ninh, Nha Trang and Khánh Hòa provinces, respectively) has been a hot topic among the public. — VNS