Since the program was launched in February 2017, Vietnam has granted more than 330,000 e-visas to citizens from 46 countries. Minister of Public Security To Lam said that the program benefits Vietnam’s socio-economic development, national defense and security.

“We need more time to comprehensively evaluate the impact of the e-visa program. The Government propose the National Assembly extend the pilot scheme for two more years, starting February next year,” Minister Lam noted.          

In an earlier debate, National Assembly deputies agreed on the need to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Deputy Vu Tien Loc said:

“The ratification of the CPTPP should go hand in hand with a plan of action to ensure effective enforcement of the agreement. The Government must create a firm legal basis to honor Vietnam’s commitments and respond to new challenges and opportunities, including possible negative impacts on small, medium, and micro-sized businesses and farmers,” Mr. Loc suggested.

The CPTPP was signed by 11 countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore in March this year. 6 countries have ratified the trade pact which represents 13.5% of the global GDP.