The Vietnamese government is moving forward with important revisions to the Land Law, which are set to be implemented in 2024. One of the key proposals is to allow the state to determine land prices and facilitate land acquisition before finalizing compensation plans. This change aims to address urgent issues arising from current practices and to remove institutional bottlenecks that hinder economic development.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Trinh Viet Hung presented the government’s proposal, highlighting the necessity of these changes to promote socio-economic growth, particularly targeting a double-digit growth rate in the new phase of development.

Key Policy Changes Proposed

The government has outlined seven main policy groups as part of the proposed revisions:

• Land Use Planning: The proposal includes a new approach to land use planning that combines land allocation with spatial development organization, clearly defining the function of land in different areas.
• Land Allocation Mechanism: The government aims to enhance transparency and competitiveness in land allocation and leasing, specifying cases for land use rights auctions and project tenders involving land.
• Land Acquisition and Compensation: It is proposed to shift the focus from merely compensating for land to rebuilding the lives of those affected by land acquisition. This includes prioritizing compensation with land or housing in the same area for those whose land is taken.
• Land Pricing Mechanism: The government intends to establish a pricing mechanism based on scientific data, ensuring transparency and preventing price manipulation.
• Rights and Obligations of Land Users: The revisions will clarify the rights and obligations of land users, allowing for multi-purpose land use while maintaining control.
• Administrative Reforms: There will be an emphasis on digitizing land management and improving the national land database.
• Monitoring and Dispute Resolution: The proposal includes measures to enhance monitoring, address violations, and resolve disputes effectively, ensuring that land is not left unused or degraded.

During discussions on the proposal, members of the Economic and Financial Committee expressed support for the urgency of these revisions. They emphasized the need for clear criteria regarding land acquisition for national and public benefit projects to prevent potential misuse.

As the government prepares for these changes, it aims to ensure that land management practices align with the needs of economic development while safeguarding the rights of land users.