In a call for substantial improvements in Vietnam’s governance, Tô Lâm has set a deadline of 2026 for significant advancements in institutional reform, administrative simplification, and legal modernization. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of Vietnam’s Central Steering Committee for Institutional Perfection and Law Enforcement held in Hanoi, Tô Lâm emphasized the importance of achieving practical outcomes rather than merely symbolic efforts. He underscored that reforms should be measured by the completion of legal documents, the simplification of administrative processes, the resolution of legal barriers, and clear leadership accountability.
The meeting brought together high-ranking officials such as Lê Minh Hưng and Trần Thanh Mẫn. Tô Lâm directed various ministries and government agencies to promptly implement the committee’s findings and to set up monitoring frameworks. He stressed the necessity for regular reporting on the progress of tasks, any delays encountered, and challenges that might require the intervention of higher authorities. Key areas of focus during the meeting included enhancing the state economy, facilitating foreign investment, reducing administrative burdens, tackling urban air pollution, and revising the criminal procedure framework.
Regarding foreign investment, the committee highlighted the importance of adopting competitive policies to foster technology transfer, research and development, workforce training, green transformation, and digital innovation. It called for rigorous oversight of strategic investors and improved regional collaboration in attracting foreign capital. In addressing air pollution in urban centers, officials proposed adopting outcome-based air quality management strategies, which would be supported by modern environmental monitoring systems and more robust early-warning mechanisms, coupled with clearer accountability for pollution sources.
The committee also advocated for making administrative reform an ongoing responsibility, rather than a temporary initiative. This would involve a shift towards post-inspection oversight and risk-based governance, moving away from excessive pre-approval requirements. On the judicial front, officials are examining potential amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code to balance effective crime prevention with fairness, asset recovery, and support for socio-economic development. These proposed changes aim to ensure that judicial processes remain equitable while also contributing to broader socio-economic goals.