Proposal to establish a new generation free trade zone in Hai Phong

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang - Photo: GIA HAN

On the morning of April 17, the National Assembly Standing Committee gave opinions on the draft resolution of the National Assembly to replace Resolution No. 35/2021 on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Hai Phong City.

Free trade zone with many outstanding special policies

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang said the draft stipulates 6 major policy groups with 41 specific policies.

Notably, the draft resolution also allows for the pilot establishment and operation of a new generation free trade zone in Hai Phong city.

This is an area with defined geographical boundaries, where special, outstanding and breakthrough mechanisms and policies are piloted to attract investment, finance, trade, services to promote exports, industry, research and development activities, and attract high-quality human resources.

The draft resolution proposes decentralization to the City People's Council to decide on the establishment, expansion, and adjustment of the boundaries of the Hai Phong free trade zone associated with the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai economic zone, the southern coastal economic zone of Hai Phong similar to industrial zones.

Examining this content, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai said that the pilot establishment of a free trade zone is necessary, demonstrating the political determination of Hai Phong and the Government.

However, Mr. Mai noted that this is a big problem, not only economic in nature but also related to national defense, security, order and social safety.

Therefore, the Standing Committee of the Committee proposed to clarify the impact on economic growth, budget, society; regional spread; risk management mechanism, monitoring mechanism and responsibility in implementation of relevant individuals and organizations.

Regarding urban planning, the draft proposes that the city is allowed to sell public apartment buildings built by the city from the state budget, or under the form of BT contracts formed after 1994 until before January 1, 2025.

This policy is proposed on the basis of suitability with the practical situation of Hai Phong city, meeting the aspirations and needs of the people, ensuring social security; avoiding loss and waste of state assets.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man - Photo: GIA HAN

Need to consult the Politburo to apply special mechanisms to cities after merger

According to the resolution of the 11th Central Conference, Hai Duong province and Hai Phong city will be merged, named Hai Phong city.

Regarding this content, Chairman of the Law and Justice Committee Hoang Thanh Tung expressed concern when Hai Phong City is preparing to expand.

He said that the pilot application of some specific mechanisms and policies is not only a problem for Hai Phong, but also for Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang...

Therefore, it is proposed that the Government Party Committee report to the Politburo for comments on the principle that the pilot resolutions on specific policies and mechanisms currently applied to localities will continue to be applied after the arrangement and merger.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Khac Dinh proposed that the Government issue a document asking for the Politburo's opinion to expand the scope of application of the pilot resolutions on a number of specific mechanisms and policies for provinces and cities after merging with Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, and Khanh Hoa.

"The localities that have piloted special policies and mechanisms are all strong, capable, and healthy, but the localities that have been added are all weaker localities," Mr. Dinh said, adding that when the Politburo concluded, the Government submitted it to the National Assembly right at the 9th session, and included it in the session's general resolution.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man also proposed that the Government seek the Politburo's opinion on applying the current special mechanism for localities to merge and expand their areas.

When discussing this content at the 9th session, it will be decided immediately that when Hai Phong merges with Hai Duong, equivalent units will be synchronized.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc said that with the preferential policies currently in place, merging provinces and cities is a common issue for cities, including Hai Duong merging with Hai Phong, following the spirit of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

He said he would report to the Prime Minister to report to the Party and State leaders, and if necessary, through the Politburo, he would make a report to ask for opinions.

Read more Back to Topics

Back to topic

COMMON

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/de-xuat-lap-khu-thuong-mai-tu-do-the-he-moi-o-hai-phong-20250417103438107.htm