Empowering 'Megacities' to Create

A draft law on urban development, presented to the National Assembly on August 7, is anticipated to establish a groundbreaking legal framework and address institutional bottlenecks for major cities, particularly Ho Chi Minh City. The proposed legislation aims to provide a stable, synchronized, and innovative legal foundation for the development of cities, especially special urban areas and others.

The government has put forward two key policy proposals: significantly increasing decentralization for special urban areas and enacting specific policies to promote their development. Additionally, it seeks to create mechanisms to foster the growth of cities not yet recognized as special urban areas.

Phan Chí Hiếu, head of the Committee for Justice and Law, expressed general agreement with the proposals for direct and comprehensive decentralization to Ho Chi Minh City and other designated special urban areas. However, the committee requested clarification on the scope of application for these mechanisms, cautioning against expanding the target audience without corresponding management and control measures.

During discussions, National Assembly delegate Nguyễn Phương Thủy praised the draft law's strong shift from merely addressing isolated difficulties to "empowering creation." This change is expected to enable urban governments to be more proactive in organizing their structures, developing policies, and selecting governance models suited to their specific realities.

Delegate Nguyễn Thị Việt Nga from Hai Phong city emphasized the need for a robust, long-term legal framework for Ho Chi Minh City, given its role as a national economic engine. She stated that decentralizing power in planning, investment, finance, and attracting strategic investors is essential for tackling the complex challenges of a megacity, provided it is accompanied by transparent accountability and oversight.

Concerns were raised by delegate Triệu Kim Thắng from Lai Châu province regarding national defense and security. He urged the drafting committee to clearly affirm the principle that any special mechanisms offering advantages in investment, finance, land, planning, or organizational structure must operate within the bounds of national defense and security guarantees.

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyễn Thị Thanh supported the move towards strong decentralization, aiming to provide cities with the autonomy, tools, and resources needed for development. However, she cautioned that while decentralization should be strong, it must not lead to a fragmentation of the legal order. She specifically noted the provision allowing local implementation documents to differ from central government regulations, warning that this could create multiple, overlapping legal systems, causing confusion for citizens, businesses, and enforcement agencies. The drafting committee was urged to carefully review these aspects to ensure the legal system simultaneously drives urban development and maintains overall coherence.