In a complex global geopolitical context, the role of the National Assembly exceeds its traditional legislative function and becomes a true extension of national foreign policy. Such was the statement made by Mr. Phan Kien Cuong, an economic arbitrator from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Vienna, and deputy director of the Center for Economic and Trade Development Consultancy of Vietnam (VICENDETI) during an interview with a VNA journalist in Prague.
Mr. Phan Kien Cuong emphasized the necessity of focusing on four strategic pillars to promote inter-parliamentary cooperation and elevate legislative diplomacy to serve Vietnam’s development goals in the upcoming term.
First and foremost, transitioning from a “participation” logic to a “proactive leadership” logic within multilateral frameworks is essential. Phan Kien Cuong suggested that Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly continue to strengthen its position in organizations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) by proactively proposing innovative legal frameworks in emerging digital areas like cross-border cybersecurity governance, artificial intelligence ethics, and fair trade standards.
Secondly, promoting integration and harmonization of laws to facilitate deeper integration is necessary. Effective legislative diplomacy involves implementing commitments, including examining and integrating international standards from new-generation agreements like the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Thirdly, strengthening “thematic diplomacy” among specialized committees is crucial for direct exchanges on legislative experiences, especially in transitioning towards energy efficiency and circular economy practices. This will help accelerate Vietnam’s institutional development and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.
Lastly, enhancing the mechanism for monitoring international agreements is a crucial element of the fourth strategic pillar. The development of legislative diplomacy depends on the National Assembly’s ability to effectively oversee the implementation of international agreements signed by the government, ensuring resources from international cooperation benefit local and national economic development.
In light of Vietnam’s ambition to become a high-income developed country, legislative diplomacy must pioneer institutional development. A reformed, streamlined, and integrated 16th National Assembly will be crucial in guiding Vietnam towards a prosperous future.
Source: VietnamPlus (https://www.vietnamplus.vn/chuyen-gia-kinh-te-tai-sec-nang-tam-ngoai-giao-lap-phap-trong-ky-nguyen-moi-post1099241.vnp)
