This information is detailed in the draft decree on integrating security with socio-economic development and socio-economic development with security. The Ministry of Justice is currently appraising the draft, which the Ministry of Public Security spearheaded at the request of the Minister of Public Security.

The draft decree stipulates that integrating security with socio-economic development requires ensuring national security, a safe environment, and stable growth during development. It emphasizes that economic interests should not compromise national and ethnic benefits.

Socio-economic development projects with security implications must undergo consultation, appraisal, or security impact assessments. This includes investment projects governed by environmental protection laws; projects involving foreign entities, such as foreign investors proposing capital contributions or share purchases in Vietnamese economic organizations; and projects requiring special contractor or investor selection.

Details of the draft's 12 socio-economic development projects related to security

The draft also outlines the detailed integration of security with socio-economic development across various areas: in planning; in security-related schemes and projects; and within sectors such as industry, trade and services, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, natural resources and environment, finance, monetary affairs, construction, science and technology, healthcare, education, legal framework development, and dual-use security industries.

Hanoi city from above. Photo: Giang Huy

Ministry of Public Security to participate in appraising numerous national plans

The draft dedicates two articles to specific regulations on decentralization and involvement in providing opinions, appraisal, and security impact assessments. The Ministry of Public Security will participate and offer appraisal opinions on: national socio-economic development strategies; national master plans; national land use plans; national marine spatial plans; long-term, medium-term, and annual national socio-economic development plans; and medium-term and annual national public investment plans.

Provincial police will participate and provide appraisal opinions on: annual provincial socio-economic development plans, detailed sector plans, urban and rural planning, and provincial land use plans.

For investment projects that harm or risk national defense and security, provincial police will collaborate with provincial People's Committees to assess the impact. Following this, recommendations will be issued to halt all or part of the project's activities.

Details of issues the Ministry of Public Security will participate in and provide appraisal opinions on

The Ministry of Public Security explained that while existing laws cover consultation and appraisal for socio-economic strategies, plans, and projects, specific regulations for national security impact assessments are currently lacking.

For instance, the investment sector currently lacks specific criteria for identifying security-sensitive locations or areas. Furthermore, the security and order conditions for evaluating and approving investment policies for new projects, or for approving foreign investor proposals for capital contributions or share purchases, remain undefined.

The appraisal and verification of legal status and financial capacity before approving investment policies or issuing investment certificates for some projects have been insufficient. Moreover, the appraisal capabilities of responsible organizations and individuals are inadequate to fully assess the security impacts throughout project implementation.