NA deputies approve the draft Law on Forestry on November 15th, 2017. (Photo: Phuong Hoa/VNA)

The law stipulates the management, protection, development, and use of forests, and the processing and trading of forestry products.

The law forbids changing the purpose or use of natural forests except for key national projects or projects that serve national security and defense purposes. Such a change must satisfy the conditions of national forestry master-planning and the land use plan, and must be approved by authorized agencies. The law clarifies the State’s forest management functions and the specific functions of forest rangers.  

The same day, the National Assembly commented on the revised draft law on competition. The draft regulates acts of restricting competition in and outside Vietnam. Some deputies said the adjustment is suitable for international practice, to meet practical needs, and to create a legal foundation for Vietnam to work with competition agencies from other countries during investigating and dealing with disputes.