Vietnam's National Assembly Standing Committee convened its eighth session on November 2. The investment policy for the national target programme on crime prevention and control for 2026–2035 was among the main issues on the agenda.
According to the Government's proposal, the programme will run from 2026 to the end of 2035. Its 2026–2030 phase is estimated to require more than 45.3 trillion VND, or nearly 1.76 billion USD. Approximately 18.15 trillion VND is planned for 2031–2035.
By 2030, the country aims to reduce the number of drug addicts and illicit drug users each year. It is seeking to make at least 50% of communes, wards and special zones nationwide drug-free. The programme also targets a 100% detection and clearance rate for complex drug hotspots, high-risk areas, retail drug points and places where plants containing narcotic substances are illegally cultivated.
The programme seeks to ensure facilities and continued treatment for at least 50,000 opioid-dependent people. More than 90% of drug addicts, illegal drug users and people undergoing or completing drug rehabilitation are to receive medical and psychological counselling, support and intervention.
By 2035, the targets include ensuring that 100% of major press agencies have dedicated pages or columns on crime prevention and control, that more than 95% of the population receives crime prevention information, and that 100% of school students and 90% of university students receive legal education and crime prevention training.
Preventive measures will be strengthened to achieve a sustained reduction in crime, with a target of reducing social-order offences by more than 10% annually.
Phan Chi Hieu, Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Legal and Judicial Affairs, said the committee basically agreed on the need to establish the programme.
He suggested that the drafting body continue reviewing and cross-referencing tasks that overlap with other national target programmes to clarify the scope, target groups, geographical areas, deliverables and funding sources.
On that basis, suitable integration options should be studied to prevent duplication of tasks and funding and use resources more efficiently to achieve the programme's objectives, Hieu said.
National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man voiced support for the programme, saying it aligns with Politburo orientations and central authorities' resolutions on socio-economic development for 2026–2030. Alongside socio-economic development tasks, he said attention must be paid to fighting crime, particularly drug-related offences and other crimes, to create a stable and safe environment for development.
Tran Thanh Man said the most critical issue was effective implementation that would produce tangible results and ensure that invested resources were used efficiently to curb crime on all fronts. He called on ministries, sectors and localities to promptly prepare specific implementation plans with clear targets, roadmaps and solutions suited to local conditions.
The National Assembly President stressed that fighting drug-related offences and other crimes requires the collective strength of the entire population. He described every citizen as a soldier, every family as a battlefield and every locality as a fortress.
Deputies also commented on the investment policies for three expressway projects: Bao Ha–Lai Chau, on the Bao Ha–Tan Phong section; Quang Ngai–Kon Tum; and Moc Chau–Son La–Dien Bien, on the Son La section.
The projects aim to remove infrastructure bottlenecks, improve interregional connectivity, expand development space, raise living standards, especially for ethnic minority groups, and safeguard national defence and security.
The committee agreed to submit the draft resolution on the investment policies for the three expressway projects to the National Assembly for consideration at its ongoing second session.
Participants later discussed special mechanisms and policies for tourism development.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
