The message was highlighted during a working session on May 25 with the Standing Committee of the National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment regarding key priorities for 2026 and the 2026–2031 term.

At the meeting, the National Assembly Chairman praised the committee for handling a significant workload over the past year, particularly throughout 2025 and the first months of 2026, when lawmakers reviewed a series of complex legislative projects related to science and technology, innovation, strategic infrastructure, and digital transformation.

Among the major initiatives discussed were the revised Railway Law, the resolution on the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, investment policies for the North–South high-speed railway, regional strategic railway connections, and legislative proposals involving digital technology, data governance, and artificial intelligence.

According to the National Assembly Chairman, Vietnam’s next phase of development requires not only improvements in the legal system but also a fundamental shift in institutional thinking. He said the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment must move beyond simply reviewing legal documents and instead focus on policy assessment, strategic consultation, forecasting capacity, and proactive policymaking for emerging sectors.

“The committee must not be allowed to lag behind reality,” he emphasised while referring to rapidly developing technologies such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence, digital economy models, and green energy transition.

He noted that whenever new strategic trends emerge, legislative agencies should proactively review the existing legal framework, identify policy gaps, and coordinate with the government to develop suitable regulations under a “proactive and forward-looking” approach.

One of the major priorities highlighted at the meeting was the need to continue improving institutions supporting science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation while removing legal bottlenecks hindering development.

The top legislator called for a comprehensive review of laws and resolutions under the committee’s jurisdiction in order to promptly amend outdated, overlapping, or impractical regulations. He also stressed the importance of building stronger mechanisms to protect scientists and innovators who dare to think creatively, take initiative, and assume responsibility.

At the same time, he said, Vietnam needs a clearer legal framework to attract investment into renewable energy, green energy, electricity transmission infrastructure, and energy storage systems that meet international standards.

Beyond legislative reforms, the National Assembly Chairman also underscored the importance of policy implementation oversight. According to him, the effectiveness of laws should be measured by their real-world impact on citizens and businesses rather than by the mere issuance of legal documents.

The Committee for Science, Technology and Environment was therefore instructed to strengthen supervision of laws related to science and technology, innovation, cybersecurity, personal data protection, and digital transformation. It was also asked to closely monitor practical issues including environmental pollution, energy security, and the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects.

The NA leader noted that oversight activities must become more substantive, data-driven, and closely connected to real-life developments. Appraisal reports, he said, should reduce descriptive content while increasing policy analysis, risk assessment, and concrete recommendations.

Another notable issue raised at the meeting was the acceleration of digital transformation within the National Assembly itself. The leader proposed that the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment become a model for a “digital parliament,” operating on data-driven platforms, reducing administrative paperwork, and integrating artificial intelligence into information systems supporting lawmakers.

He added that shared databases serving legislative, supervisory, and petition-monitoring activities should be standardised, interconnected, and updated in real time to improve policymaking quality.

Highlighting the role of science and technology in Vietnam’s next development phase, the National Assembly Chairman said innovation and digital transformation must become new growth engines capable of supporting the country’s ambition for double-digit economic growth in the coming years.

“Science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation must become the highest strategic breakthrough,” he said, adding this is not only a development requirement but also an “order for action” for the National Assembly’s policy advisory bodies.

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