The first session of the 16th legislature opened on April 6 at the National Assembly Building in Hanoi. The session is scheduled to last 11 working days and close on April 23.

The session is divided into two phases, with the first running from April 6 to April 12, and the second from April 20 to April 23, with contingency days on April 24 and 25.

At 7 a.m., leaders of the Party, State and the Vietnam Fatherland Front, along with National Assembly deputies, laid wreaths and paid tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Representatives of National Assembly delegations also laid wreaths at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs.

At 8 a.m. the same day, the opening sitting took place at Dien Hong Hall in the National Assembly Building. The session was broadcast live on Vietnam Television (VTV1) and Voice of Vietnam (VOV1).

During the session, the NA will review and decide on organisational and personnel matters; consider eight draft laws and one resolution with legal effect; examine five groups of issues covering socio-economic affairs, finance, the state budget, oversight and other major matters; and review nine groups of reports submitted by agencies for deputies’ study.

The first session opens the 2026-2031 term of the country’s highest state authority. Decisions adopted at the session will lay the groundwork for the National Assembly’s activities over the next five years and show a clear shift to meet new requirements.

The session is being convened earlier than in previous terms because the 15th NA shortened its tenure and elections for the 16th NA and People’s Councils for the 2026-2031 term were held ahead of schedule. This carries particular significance as the country enters a new phase, with a series of strategic decisions set out in the resolution of the 14th Party Congress requiring early institutionalisation, firm action and faster implementation to meet set targets.

As the first session of a new term, one of its central tasks is to complete the state apparatus and appoint senior personnel. The NA will review and decide on key leadership positions, from its own leadership and the State President to the Government and judicial bodies, thereby creating a stable political foundation and ensuring the smooth functioning of the state apparatus in the new phase.

Alongside personnel work, the session will also consider a range of key issues related to lawmaking, socio-economic development and the state budget. This means the new legislature immediately begins operating fully and comprehensively across all its functions, legislation, supervision and decisions on major national issues, matters that directly affect people’s lives and the country’s development in the coming period.

These contents are both planned and long-term in nature, in line  with a new period of development that demands higher-quality growth, stronger innovation and deeper international integration.

The fact that the 16th NA, while focusing on personnel as usual, is also reviewing, discussing and passing key draft laws and resolutions at the same session shows a clear shift in mindset, moving from a “kick-off” to immediate legislative action.

This way of working requires more thorough preparation and sets higher demands on drafting bodies, reviewing agencies and deputies. It also underscores the need to improve the effectiveness of the National Assembly’s work, particularly as the legal system must keep pace with rapid and sustainable development.

The session is organised in two phases, with the first focusing on personnel and the second on discussions and adoption of key issues. The break between the two phases is used to receive feedback and revise draft laws and resolutions. This structure reflects a more scientific, flexible and professional approach to parliamentary operations, alongside stronger use of information technology to improve the quality of decisions.

The first session of the 16th NA carries high expectations from voters nationwide. Changes in organisation, improved content quality and faster handling of work show the NA’s determination to continue reform and enhance effectiveness.

The session marks an important milestone opening a new term and signals a change in how the National Assembly operates. From consolidating the apparatus and setting policy direction to refining legislative procedures, all efforts are aimed at building a more professional and effective legislature that serves the people and supports sustainable development.

With these new elements and a more flexible approach, the session will provide a solid foundation for the entire term while strengthening voter confidence in parliamentary decisions in the new development period.

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