Legislators debate draft revised Railway Law, e-visa resolution

Legislators at the 14^th National Assembly (NA) debated the draft revised Railway Law on November 18, with the majority of them agreeing on the need to make adjustments to the law to tackle railway sector’s problems, especially its underdeveloped infrastructure.

Currently, the railway system has yet to be connected with other means of transportation in a convenient way, while the current investment of between VND 2-3 trillion each year in the sector is much lower than that in other forms of transport.

A deputy speaking at a session of the 14th National Assembly

However, a number of deputies were concerned about the feasibility of the bill. Deputy Nguyen Phuong Tuan from Ninh Binh pointed out that out of the total 95 articles in the draft revised law, 37 articles will need guidelines, while 20 others are not clear.

Several deputies supported the idea on a high-speed North-South railway. Deputy Nguyen Phi Thuong from Hanoi called for a roadmap to develop the railway, suggesting allocating capital to conduct feasibility research on the idea.

Nguyen Van Canh, representative of Binh Dinh province proposed that the NA adjust the land use plan so that the Government can build at least 21 urban areas around stations along the North-South railway and 21 trade centers in the stations, which he said will generate capital for the railway construction.

According to Minister of Transportation Truong Quang Nghia, the ministry will coordinate with NA agencies to further revise regulations in the bill to win greater support among legislators.

During the November 18 working day, deputies also discussed the necessity to issue a resolution on the issuance of e-visa for foreigners, which is hoped to contribute to socio-economic growth through boosting tourism and investment.

Some deputies worried that the granting of e-visa to all foreigners are too wide, while Vietnam does not have sufficient experience as well as staff and technical infrastructure for the work. They proposed giving priority to tourists, investors and visitors from some countries with traditional friendship or those having signed cooperation agreements with Vietnam.

Several lawmakers expressed concern that the date of starting granting e-visa on January 1, 2017 is too urgent to make good preparations for the work.

Many deputies urged necessary measures to be taken to ensure national cyber security.