International experience shows that to keep up with the general trend of the world, Vietnam urgently needs to build a law on e-commerce to comprehensively regulate this field, contributing to protecting the rights of participating parties, promoting innovation, and creating motivation for the country to develop the digital economy.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan made the remarks whilst presenting the Government's report on the Draft Law on E-commerce during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on September 22.

Mr. Tan said that with the rapid development of science and technology, the emergence of many new business models, diverse in subjects, complex in nature, and from the reality of state management in the e-commerce sector, policies and regulations on e-commerce have revealed some shortcomings and limitations.

Regarding specific content, the Draft Law adheres to six approved policies, including: Regulating the types and responsibilities of subjects participating in e-commerce activities; Regulating the types and responsibilities of subjects participating in multi-service digital platforms and social networks with e-commerce activities; Regulating the types and responsibilities of subjects participating in cross-border e-commerce activities without presence in Vietnam, foreign investment activities in the e-commerce sector in Vietnam, and foreign sellers with e-commerce activities in Vietnam; Regulating e-commerce support services and the responsibilities of related subjects; Completing the legal framework for contract signing in e-commerce and promoting green and sustainable e-commerce development.

Regarding the simplification and reduction of administrative procedures in this sector, the Deputy Minister stated that, according to the draft law, there are 18 administrative procedures, including 9 existing ones, while 6 others have been eliminated, representing a 40% reduction compared to current regulations.

For newly introduced administrative procedures, the drafting committee has added nine procedures related to social networks, e-commerce, and multi-service integration platforms. These additions aim to meet state management requirements while promoting simplification and full online implementation.

In the preliminary appraisal report on the Draft Law, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai emphasized key principles for refining the its content.

Accordingly, the E-Commerce Law project must fully institutionalize the guiding viewpoints, policies, tasks, and solutions for renewing legal thinking, developing the private economy, making breakthroughs in science and technology, promoting innovation, and advancing national digital transformation, as stated in Party documents—most directly in Resolutions No. 66-NQ/TW, 68-NQ/TW, and 57-NQ/TW. It should also implement the policy of enhancing decentralization and delegation of authority to ministries, sectors, and localities in line with Resolution No. 66 of the Politburo and the specific nature of e-commerce activities.

Mr. Mai noted that the draft law still overlaps with provisions in other laws and legislative projects. He stressed that improving legal regulations should better protect consumer rights, prevent tax losses, and control counterfeit goods, prohibited items, intellectual property violations, and substandard products.

“The drafting agency needs to provide additional reports and clarifications in the submission to the National Assembly regarding existing shortcomings, limitations, and legal ‘gaps’ in current laws and concurrent legislative projects. Furthermore, it is recommended to review and refine the draft law to avoid overlaps, contradictions, and legal conflicts, prevent unnecessary administrative procedures, and eliminate legal obstacles during implementation,” Mr. Mai proposed.