NA discusses CPTPP ratification, pilot issuance of e-visas

The 14^th National Assembly discussed in a plenary session the ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and related documents, and the extension of the pilot issuance of e-visas for foreigners entering Vietnam, at the ongoing sixth session in Hanoi on November 5.

Deputy Vo Dinh Tin of Dak Nong province speaks at the session on on November 5. (Photo: VNA)

Under the chair of NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong, 14 deputies gave opinions on how to effectively realise the deal.

Several opinions suggested amending and supplementing relevant laws, building an action plan to implement the agreement, and raising public awareness of new commitments in the deal.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made clear the impacts of the CPTPP, labour issue, and amendment of related laws.

Later, the legislature debated the extension of the implementation of the Resolution No.30/2016/QH14 on pilot issuance of e-visas for foreigners entering Vietnam, as the Government proposed the extension start from February 1, 2019.

Minister of Public Security To Lam presented a report on the implementation of the Resolution, saying that it is a proper policy and has achieved set targets.

Head of the NA Committee on National Defence and Security Vo Trong Viet delivered a report on examining the extension of the Resolution implementation.

The report asked for explaining in details the socio-economic efficiency and risks of foreigners using e-visas to national security, and social safety and order.

Deputies spoke highly of the outcomes and the necessity of Resolution 30/2016/QH14 on piloting the granting of e-visas for foreigners, as well as the Government’s proposal on extending the piloting duration in service of the amending of the law on foreigners’ entry, exit, transit and residence in Vietnam.

Most of deputies supported the Government’s proposal of piloting this activity not longer than two years, as from February 1, 2019.

Later, Minister of Public Security To Lam clarified some relevant issues mentioned by lawmakers.

In the afternoon, the parliament discussed some debatable issues of the draft law on the coast guard force.

After Chairman of the NA’s Defence and Security Committee Vo Trong Viet delivered a report on revisions to the draft, legislators raised their opinions, most of which agreed with the report that includes the content on draft regulations on the position and functions of the Vietnam Coast Guard.

Some opinions asked for regulations on the coast guard force’s scope of activities to be reviewed so that they would be in conformity with the law system and avoid overlapping with activities of other armed forces.

Most of parliamentarians also supported the force’s jurisdiction, asking for regulations to be reviewed to ensure their accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws.

After that, Viet clarified some issues pointed out by deputies.

On November 6, the NA is scheduled to continue a plenary meeting to look into the law amending some articles of the law on tertiary education and the draft revised law on people’s public security./.

VNF/VNA