Draft law on special economic zone continues to be put on hold

August 25, 2018 - 10:44

The National Assembly will hold off on voting on the adoption of the controversial draft law on special administrative-economic zone until the next meeting of the legislative body in May next year.

The National Assembly will hold off on voting on the adoption of the controversial draft law on special administrative-economic zone until the next meeting of the legislative body in May next year.—  VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The National Assembly will hold off on voting on the adoption of the controversial draft law on special administrative-economic zone until the next meeting of the legislative body in May next year.

General Secretary of the National Assembly Nguyễn Hạnh Phúc made the announcement late Friday, explaining that the time will be spent on further study and research to consolidate the law.

Nguyễn Khắc Định, chair of the NA Legal Committee, said the draft law is a new and unprecedented project, providing a never seen before breakthrough in mechanisms and policies in the context of intensive economic integration, which needs to incorporate feedback from the public and experts alike.

The process of drawing feedback has already been started by the Government, NA Secretary Phúc said.

On May 23, 85 per cent of NA deputies voted for the passing of the draft law, which was first presented by the Government to discuss in the NA in October 2017.

However, heavy protests from the public against certain controversial items in the law, including leasing of land to foreign investors for up to 99 years, have prompted the NA to push the adoption process. — VNS

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