Decree No. 11/1998/NĐ-CP Issuing the Operational Regulations of the Government

DECREE OF THE GOVERNMENT

Regarding Issuing the Rules of Operation of the Government 

THE GOVERNMENT

Pursuant to the Government Organization Law dated September 30, 1992;

At the proposal of the Minister and Head of the Government Office, 

DECREE:

Article 1. These Rules of Operation of the Government are promulgated together with this Decree.

Article 2. This Decree shall take effect fifteen days from the date of issuance and replace Decree No. 13/CP dated December 1, 1992 on the Rules of Operation of the Government.

Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities shall issue specific rules of operation for their respective agencies in accordance with these Rules.

Article 3. The Minister, Head of the Government Office shall be responsible for regularly urging and inspecting the implementation of these Rules at all levels and sectors and reporting to the Government and the Prime Minister.

Article 4. Members of the Government, Heads of agencies under the Government, Chairpersons of People's Councils, Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, and Heads of related agencies shall be responsible for implementing this Decree.

 

RULES OF OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT

Issued together with Decree No. 11/1998/NĐ-CP
January 24, 1998

 

PART I
SCOPE AND COORDINATION RELATIONSHIPS IN RESOLVING TASKS

Article 1. Scope and methods of handling business of the Government

1- The Government decides collectively on the following matters:

1.1- The annual work program of the Government;

1.2- The action program of the Government to implement the Resolutions of the Party;

1.3- Draft laws and ordinances submitted to the National Assembly and the Standing Committee of the National Assembly;

1.4- Resolutions and decrees of the Government;

1.5- Strategies, plans, and long-term, five-year, and annual socio-economic development plans; major national projects;

1.6- The State budget estimate and the final settlement of the State budget annually;

1.7- Important issues concerning policies and mechanisms for socio-economic development; national defense, security, internal affairs, and foreign relations;

1.8- Issues concerning the establishment, merger, division, dissolution of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government; the establishment, merger, division, and adjustment of administrative boundaries of local units;

1.9- Reports of the Government to the National Assembly, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, and the President;

1.10- Other issues prescribed by law as within the jurisdiction of the Government;

1.11- Issues that the Prime Minister deems necessary to submit to the Government.

2- Collective decisions of the Government as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 1 must be approved by more than half of the total number of members of the Government. For certain issues that do not necessarily require collective discussion or urgent issues that cannot be resolved through a Government meeting, upon the directive of the Prime Minister, the Government Office or the agency in charge of the project shall send the entire dossier of the project (as provided for in Point 1.3, Article 8 of these Rules) and the ballot to each member of the Government. If more than half of the total number of members of the Government approve, then the Government Office shall report to the Prime Minister for decision and report to the Government at the next session.

When voting at meetings or using ballots, if the number of votes for and against are equal, the decision will follow the opinion of the Prime Minister.

3- Members of the Government and Heads of agencies under the Government must strictly implement decisions of the Government and the Prime Minister. In case of disagreement with such decisions, they still must comply but may continue to present their opinions to the Government and the Prime Minister.

Article 2. Scope of Work of the Prime Minister

1- The Prime Minister resolves the following matters:

1.1- Matters prescribed by the Constitution, the Law on the Organization of the Government, and other legal documents as within the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister, and matters prescribed by the Constitution, the Law on the Organization of the Government, and other legal documents as within the jurisdiction of the Government, but not decided collectively by the Government;

1.2- Important cross-sectoral issues that have been handled by ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and heads of agencies under the Government, but there are differing opinions;

1.3- Issues proposed by the Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, the Chairperson of the Central Steering Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and leaders of people's organizations exceeding the jurisdiction of ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and heads of agencies under the Government, or issues involving multiple sectors and regions, but there are differing opinions among the agencies;

1.4- Issues within the jurisdiction of ministers, Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, but due to their importance, the Prime Minister deems it necessary to directly direct their resolution within a specified time frame;

1.5- Unexpected or newly emerging issues, serious incidents such as natural disasters, epidemics, accidents... exceeding the capacity of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, and People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities to resolve.

2- In its activities, the Prime Minister maintains regular contact between the Government and the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, the Procurator General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, the Chairperson of the Central Steering Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and the leaders of central agencies of people's organizations.

3- NH PHÓAt least once a year, the Prime Minister works with the Central Steering Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the leadership of central agencies of each people's organization to review cooperation in work, exchange views on proposals from the Fatherland Front and people's organizations regarding the work of the Government, and create conditions for these organizations to operate effectively.

Article 3. Scope of Work of Deputy Prime Ministers, Relationship of Work Between the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers:

1- Deputy Prime Ministers assigned by the Prime Minister to act on behalf of the Prime Minister in resolving work according to the following principles:

1.1- Each Deputy Prime Minister is assigned to oversee a number of fields of work and monitor the activities of some ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government;

1.2- Deputy Prime Ministers exercise the powers of the Prime Minister, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister when resolving matters within the assigned field and are accountable to the Prime Minister.

1.3- The Deputy Prime Minister takes the initiative to handle assigned tasks; if there are issues related to the field of another Deputy Prime Minister, he directly coordinates with that Deputy Prime Minister to resolve them. In cases where opinions from the Prime Minister are required or when Deputy Prime Ministers have differing opinions, they report to the Prime Minister for decision-making;

1.4- The Prime Minister is responsible for decisions made by Deputy Prime Ministers while carrying out tasks assigned by the Government Prime Minister;

1.5- Depending on management requirements at different times, the Government Prime Minister may directly handle some tasks previously assigned to Deputy Prime Ministers or adjust the division of responsibilities among Deputy Prime Ministers;

2- Within the scope of assigned tasks, the Deputy Prime Minister has duties and authorities:

2.1- Directing Ministries, agencies equivalent to Ministries, government agencies, provincial People's Committees, and centrally governed city People's Committees to develop regulatory legal documents, strategies, plans, and development programs for sectors, fields, regions, and localities to be submitted to the Government and the Government Prime Minister;

2.2- Supervising and urging Ministries, agencies equivalent to Ministries, government agencies, provincial People's Committees, and centrally governed city People's Committees in organizing the implementation of Government and Prime Minister decisions, policies, guidelines, and laws within their respective areas of responsibility; identifying and proposing amendments and supplements. If violations of laws are discovered by Ministries, agencies equivalent to Ministries, government agencies, People's Councils, and provincial People's Committees, the Deputy Prime Minister, on behalf of the Prime Minister, decides to suspend the enforcement of such documents and actions, and simultaneously proposes measures to address the situation;

2.3- Resolving specific daily issues within the Prime Minister's authority; seeking the Government Prime Minister's opinion to handle matters concerning mechanisms and policies not yet defined by the Government or other important issues;

2.4- Monitoring organizational structures and personnel up to the Bureau level and equivalent; directing the handling of internal issues in agencies under their oversight;

3- In addition to the above tasks, the Acting Deputy Prime Minister performs the following duties:

3.1- Implementing coordination activities between Deputy Prime Ministers, utilizing the Government Office machinery to maintain regular joint activities of the Government;

3.2- Being authorized by the Prime Minister to sign certain Government documents;

3.3- Acting on behalf of the Government Prime Minister to handle the Prime Minister's work when the Prime Minister is absent;

3.4- Handling the work of another Deputy Prime Minister when that Deputy Prime Minister is absent;

4- When the Acting Deputy Prime Minister is absent, the Government Prime Minister designates another Deputy Prime Minister to temporarily assume the acting role;

5- A Deputy Prime Minister may resolve certain issues within the authority of subordinate levels as stipulated in Point 1.4, Article 2 of this Regulation;

6- Deputy Prime Ministers meet with the Government Prime Minister every Monday to report and seek guidance on resolving work-related issues;

7- Decisions made by each Deputy Prime Minister must be promptly communicated by the Government Office to inform the Prime Minister and other Deputy Prime Ministers;

Article 4. Scope of Work of Ministers, Heads of Agencies at the Ministerial Level, Heads of Government Agencies

1- Ministers, Heads of agencies equivalent to Ministries, and Heads of government agencies handle the following tasks:

1.1- Tasks within their authority as prescribed in the Constitution, the Law on Government Organization, and other legal documents;

1.2- Resolving or reviewing proposals from Ministries, agencies equivalent to Ministries, government agencies, provincial People's Committees, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and people's organizations regarding issues within their national administrative management responsibilities;

1.3- Participating in discussions with other government agency heads, provincial People's Committee Chairpersons to address issues within the authority of those agencies but related to their own functional areas;

1.4- Participating in resolving collective Government tasks and implementing specific tasks according to the Prime Minister's delegation;

2- Ministers, Heads of agencies equivalent to Ministries, and Heads of government agencies must take personal responsibility, properly utilize granted powers, refrain from transferring tasks within their functions and authority to the Prime Minister or other agencies, and also avoid handling tasks within the authority of subordinates or other agencies;

3- When necessary, Ministers, Heads of agencies equivalent to Ministries, and Heads of government agencies directly work with the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) to seek guidance on issues within their sector or area, and propose opinions to the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) on Government-wide tasks;

4- Ministers, Heads of agencies equivalent to Ministries, and Heads of government agencies are personally accountable before the Government and the Government Prime Minister for all tasks within their functions and authority, including those delegated or entrusted to deputies;

Article 5. Scope of work resolution for the Minister, Head of the Government Office:

1- Compiling and submitting to the Government and the Government Prime Minister for approval the Government Work Programs; monitoring and urging relevant agencies to implement these Programs; preparing annual performance reports and other reports as assigned by the Prime Minister;

2- Assisting the Government Prime Minister in maintaining and evaluating the implementation of the Government's Working Regulations;

3- Assisting the Government Prime Minister and the Acting Deputy Prime Minister in coordinating the activities of the Government, Ministries, agencies equivalent to Ministries, government agencies, People's Councils, and provincial People's Committees;

4- Proposing to the Government Prime Minister issues concerning policies, laws, and management mechanisms to be assigned to relevant agencies for research and submission to the Government and the Government Prime Minister; researching and proposing to the Government Prime Minister opinions on ongoing tasks within the Government and Prime Minister's authority.

5- Monitor and urge the Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, People's Councils, People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities to prepare draft projects; analyze, synthesize, and provide independent opinions on these draft projects before submitting them to the Prime Minister.

6- Organize services for sessions of the Government, meetings of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers.

7- Organize the announcement, dissemination, monitoring, and inspection of the implementation of Government decisions and Prime Minister decisions by relevant sectors and levels.

8- Uniformly manage the issuance of documents by the Government and the Prime Minister, and the publication of legal regulatory documents in the Official Gazette of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

9- Uniformly manage and utilize the Government's information network, apply modern information technology to management work and information exchange among administrative state agencies.

10- Submit to the Government and the Prime Minister for promulgation or promulgate according to their authority regulations on administrative procedures in handling tasks and on the management of official documents in administrative state agencies.

11- Provide professional guidance on office work to the Offices of Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, and Offices of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities.

12- Assist the Prime Minister and the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister in drafting and implementing cooperation regulations between the Government and Party agencies, the National Assembly, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuracy, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and central agencies of people's organizations.

13- Ensure working conditions for joint activities of the Government and the Prime Minister.

14- Resolve specific matters upon delegation by the Prime Minister (specifically detailed in each delegation document issued by the Prime Minister).

Article 6. Relations and coordination in resolving tasks between Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of agencies under the Government

1- When resolving issues within their jurisdiction that relate to the functions of another agency, Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Heads of agencies under the Government must seek the opinion of the Head of that agency; the Head of the agency whose opinion is sought has the obligation to respond and must be responsible for those opinions. The process of seeking opinions shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 3, Article 12 of this Regulation.

2- For issues beyond their jurisdiction and capacity to resolve, Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Heads of agencies under the Government must proactively work with related agencies to complete files for submission to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision.

3- For important issues involving multiple sectors and localities, the Prime Minister may establish advisory bodies to assist the Prime Minister in resolving such issues. The tasks, methods of operation, composition, and duration of existence of these advisory bodies shall be specified by the Prime Minister in the establishment document.

Article 7. Working Relationships between Ministers, Heads of Agencies at the Ministerial Level, and Heads of Government Agencies with Chairpersons of People's Councils and Chairpersons of Provincial and Centrally Governed City People's Committees

1- The Chairman of the People's Council, the Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities, when requesting to meet with Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Heads of agencies under the Government regarding sectoral management in their locality, must carefully prepare the content and notify the relevant agency in advance. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Heads of agencies under the Government must directly (or delegate a deputy) to meet and work with the Chairman (or Vice-Chairman) of the People's Council, People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities.

2- Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Heads of agencies under the Government have the responsibility to resolve requests from the Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities within their jurisdiction and must reply in writing within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the request (including cases where the issue exceeds jurisdiction or cannot be resolved). If no response is received by the end of this period, the Chairman of the People's Council, the Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities shall report to the Prime Minister for direction to the responsible agency to resolve or for the Prime Minister to directly resolve according to the procedure stipulated in Chapter III of this Regulation.

3- In cases where local recommendations fall within the jurisdiction of Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government but involve multiple sectors, the Chairman of the People's Council, the Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities shall propose one agency related to the main content of their recommendation to lead the resolution. The agency proposed by the locality to lead the resolution has the responsibility to coordinate with related agencies to handle the recommendations of the locality. Related agencies must clearly respond to each issue raised by the locality. In cases where related agencies cannot reach agreement on a solution, the leading agency shall report the differing opinions to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision; at the same time, inform the relevant locality. The time from receiving the proposal of the locality to completing the file for submission to the Prime Minister shall not exceed fifteen days.

4- The Office of the Government shall serve as the coordinating body with related agencies to complete files for submission to the Prime Minister for decision on issues proposed by localities that exceed the jurisdiction of Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Heads of agencies under the Government.

5- Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Heads of agencies under the Government shall regularly coordinate with the Chairman of the People's Council, the Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities to guide professional practices, inspect, and urge specialized agencies of the People's Council, People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities in the implementation of laws and sectoral regulations; strictly manage subordinate units located in their locality, promptly correct, rectify, and address any wrongful actions by subordinates.

Article 8. Procedures for Sending Official Letters and Proposals to Resolve Matters

1- Necessary procedures when submitting to the Government and the Prime Minister for resolution of tasks:

1.1- Official letters and reports to the Government and the Prime Minister must be signed by the Ministers, Heads of Ministries-equivalent agencies, Heads of Government-affiliated agencies, Chairpersons of People's Councils, Chairpersons of People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, heads of central-level organizations and associations, and Chairpersons of State-owned Corporations established by the Prime Minister (or delegated to their deputies) and stamped with the appropriate authority seal.

1.2- For matters related to the functions of other agencies, the submission file must include formal written opinions from those agencies.

1.3- For the projects mentioned in Point 2.2, Article 9, the following must be attached:

1.3.1- Reports to the Government and the Prime Minister, clearly explaining the main content of the project, the grounds for recommendations, and differing opinions.

1.3.2- The assessment document of the agency responsible for assessing the project according to the law.

1.3.3- A report on the participation opinions of relevant agencies, including the scientific council or advisory council (if applicable).

1.3.4- Drafts of the main document and implementation guidance documents. These drafts must be clear and specific so that when the main document is approved, it can be implemented immediately.

1.3.5- Implementation organization plans when the project is approved and the document is issued.

1.3.6- Other necessary documents.

1.4- Submission files to the Government and the Prime Minister must be registered in the General Office of the Government's archive in Hanoi.

2- Official letters and reports for handling tasks must only be sent in one copy to the competent authority (or the agency designated as the focal point); if they need to be sent to other relevant agencies for information or coordination, only the names of these agencies should be listed at the bottom of the letter or report (in the recipient section).

 

PART II
ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING THE WORK PROGRAM
OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIME MINISTER

Article 9. Types of Work Programs

1- The Government has annual, quarterly, and monthly work programs; the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers have weekly work programs.

2.1- The Government's annual work program consists of two parts: Part one outlines general directions, tasks, and major solutions of the Government across all areas of work; part two includes the content of regular meetings of the Government and the list of projects to be submitted to the Government and the Prime Minister in the year.

2.2- Projects defined in this Regulation and included in the Government's work program consist of:

2.2.1- Reports, projects, and draft regulatory documents reflecting the decisions made by the Government as stated in Article 1 of this Regulation.

2.2.2- Draft regulatory documents within the Prime Minister's authority to issue (excluding individual documents specified in Clause 2, Article 1 of Decree No. 101/CP dated September 23, 1997 of the Government).

2.2.3- Reports and projects related to policies, mechanisms, strategies, planning, and plans reviewed by authorized state agencies and within the Prime Minister's decision-making and approval scope.

2.3- The content of regular Government meetings includes some projects mentioned in Point 2.2.1 of this Article, which are discussed and decided upon by the Government.

2.4- Projects listed in the Government's annual work program must clearly specify whether they will be decided by the Government or the Prime Minister, the lead agency (or special committee or expert group established by the Prime Minister) preparing them, the reviewing agency, and the deadline for submitting each project.

2.5- The deadlines for submitting projects listed in the annual work program must be planned down to each quarter and month.

3- The quarterly work program only includes the list of projects to be submitted to the Government and the Prime Minister and the content of Government meetings in the quarter, aimed at supplementing and adjusting the content and timing of the projects (except for the first quarter program already determined in the annual program).

4- The monthly work program includes the list of projects to be submitted to the Government and the Prime Minister and the content of Government meetings in the month, aimed at supplementing and adjusting the content and timing of the projects to be submitted (except for the first month of the quarter already determined in the quarterly program).

5- The weekly work program of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers includes activities of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, day by day throughout the week.

Article 10Procedure for establishing the Government's work program

1- Annual work program:

1.1- By November 15 each year, Ministries, Ministries-equivalent agencies, and Government-affiliated agencies must submit to the Government Office a list of projects to be submitted to the Government and the Prime Minister in the coming year. The list must clearly show the name of the project, the level of decision-making (Government, Prime Minister), the reviewing agency, and the deadline for each project. Central provinces and central-level people's organizations need to register their working schedule with the Prime Minister regarding the contents stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 and Clause 1, Article 30 of this Regulation.

1.2- The Government Office drafts the next year's Government work program and sends it back to relevant agencies and organizations no later than November 25 for comments.

1.3- Within seven days of receiving the draft of the Government's work program, agencies and organizations must provide formal written comments to the Government Office for consolidation and submission to the Prime Minister for review and direction to complete and submit to the Government for approval at the last regular meeting of the year.

1.4- Within ten days of the Government approving the annual work program, the Government Office submits it to the Prime Minister for signature and issuance, and sends it to members of the Government, Heads of Government-affiliated agencies, Chairpersons of People's Councils, Chairpersons of People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies and organizations for knowledge and implementation.

2- Quarterly work program:

2.1- At the end of each quarter, agencies must evaluate the implementation of the quarterly work program, review the projects of the next quarter listed in the annual program, and consider new issues to propose adjustments to the work program for the next quarter.

Not later than the 15th day of the last month of each quarter, agencies shall send their proposed adjustments to the next quarter's Program to the Government Office. Beyond this deadline, it will be considered that there is no need for adjustment.

2.2- The Government Office shall compile the Government's quarterly work program (projects assigned according to fields handled by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers) for submission to the Prime Minister for decision, and not later than the 20th day of the last month of each quarter, shall send the next quarter's work program to relevant agencies and organizations for their knowledge and implementation.

3- Monthly Work Program:

3.1- Each month, agencies shall base on the progress of preparing projects recorded in the quarterly program, outstanding issues, and newly arising ones to propose adjustments to the next month's program. Such proposals must be sent to the Government Office no later than the 20th day of each month. Beyond this deadline, it will be considered that the agency has no proposal for adjustment.

3.2- The Government Office shall compile the Government's monthly work program, divided according to fields handled by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, for submission to the Prime Minister for decision, and not later than the 25th day of each month, shall send the next month's work program to relevant agencies and organizations for their knowledge and implementation.

4- Weekly Work Program:

Based on the monthly work program and directives from the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, the Government Office shall coordinate with related agencies to develop the weekly work program for the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, submit it for decision to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, and notify relevant agencies and organizations no later than the Saturday of the week preceding the week in question.

5- The Government Office must regularly coordinate with the Central Party Office, National Assembly Office, and State President Office to develop the Government's work programs, the Prime Minister's work program, and Deputy Prime Ministers' work programs.

6- When there is an adjustment to the work program, the Government Office must promptly inform members of the Government and heads of related agencies.

7- The procedure for drafting the Preliminary Program for Law, Ordinance, Resolution, and Decree construction shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 101/CP dated September 23, 1997, detailing the implementation of certain articles of the Law on Enacting Legal Normative Documents.

Article 11. PLAN FOR PREPARING PROJECTS

1- Based on the annual work program of the Government, the head of the agency (or group of experts tasked by the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister) responsible for the project (referred to as the project leader) must prepare a plan to prepare the projects, clearly identifying the list of issues that require guidance upon adoption of the document or main issue, the scope of each project, and the agencies to cooperate; ensuring the deadlines for submitting the projects as set and sending the plan to prepare the projects to the Government Office for monitoring and urging implementation.

2- If the project leader wishes to change the requirements, scope of resolution of the project, or submission deadline, they must report and obtain approval from the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister responsible for that field.

Article 12. COORDINATION IN PREPARING PROJECTS

1- Coordination in the preparation phase of projects submitted to the Government and Prime Minister is the authority and responsibility of members of the Government and heads of related agencies.

2- The project leader may invite heads of related agencies to discuss project preparation or appoint staff to participate in project preparation. The invited agency has the responsibility to dispatch personnel to participate as required by the project leader. The person dispatched represents the agency in project preparation and must regularly report and seek opinions from the head of the agency during the process of developing the project.

THE ABOVE COORDINATION ACTIVITIES IN THE PREPARATION OF THE PROJECT DO NOT REPLACE THE OFFICIAL PROCEDURES FOR SEEKING OPINIONS AS PROVIDED FOR IN CLAUSE 3 OF THIS ARTICLE.

3- After the project has been completed, the project leader must formally seek opinions from related agencies through the following methods:

3.1- Organizing a meeting: the project leader must send materials to the invited agencies at least five days before the meeting date. The head of the agency leading the project shall chair the discussion, introduce the content, and collect opinions to supplement and complete the project. Discussion points must be recorded in the minutes, signed by the chairperson of the meeting.

The invited agency must dispatch a representative with sufficient authority to attend the meeting, express the opinion of the agency head, and fully report the conclusions of the meeting to the agency head. In case the representative of the invited agency is absent, the project leader sends the relevant parts of the conclusion to the agency. Within five days of receiving the letter, the head of the agency asked for an opinion must reply in writing. If beyond this deadline, the head of the agency asked for an opinion does not reply, it will be considered as agreeing with the project and must bear responsibility for the relevant contents.

3.2- Using a formal letter: the project leader sends the final draft of the project and accompanying documents to the head of the related agency for comments. The head of the agency asked for an opinion has the responsibility to officially express their opinion in writing, send it to the project leader within seven days of receiving the request with all necessary documents. The comment letter must clearly indicate points of agreement, disagreement, and recommendations for amendments and supplements. If the project documents are insufficiently clear or due to complex issues requiring additional time for study, the agency asked for an opinion has the right to request the project leader to clarify or provide additional necessary documents and agree on a new response deadline, but not exceeding fifteen days.

IF THE RESPONSE IS LATE, THE HEAD OF THE AGENCY WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE AGREED WITH THE PROJECT AND WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RELATED CONTENTS.

3.3- For draft laws and ordinances, they must also comply with the provisions of Clause 1, Article 18 of Decree No. 101/CP dated September 23, 1997.

 

CHAPTER III
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING WORK OF
PRIME MINISTER

Article 13. Daily Work Handling Form of the Prime Minister

1- The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers mainly review and handle daily work based on the Submission Forms of the Government Office.

2- The Government Office shall only submit matters within the jurisdiction of the Government, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Ministers as stipulated in Articles 1, 2, and 3 of this Regulation and with the necessary procedures as provided in Article 8 of this Regulation to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers.

Article 14. The Government Office prepares the Submission Form

Upon receipt of files sent to the Government and Prime Minister by agencies, the Government Office has the responsibility:

1- Procedure check: If the submitted document does not comply with the provisions of Article 8 of this Regulation, within two days, the Government Office must return it to the submitting agency and request additional preparation. For urgent issues, the Government Office shall issue a notice for the submitting agency to supplement the procedures; at the same time, report to the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister.

2- Content check:

2.1- If the content of the issue submitted does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Government, the Prime Minister, or Deputy Prime Minister, within three days, the Government Office must return it to the submitting agency and clearly state the reason for returning it.

2.2- If there are unclear issues or differing opinions in the content submitted, the Government Office shall require the proposer to provide further explanations or organize meetings with the proposer and related agencies to handle the matter before reporting to the Prime Minister for decision.

3- At the latest within three days (or seven days if they are projects specified in Point 2.2, Article 9 of this Regulation) from the date of receiving the complete procedural documents, the Government Office must finalize the Report for the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) to resolve. The Report must accurately record the opinions of all agencies, including differing opinions; the recommendations of the staff directly overseeing the matter and the leadership of the Government Office, accompanied by necessary documents.

Article 15. Handling the Report and notifying the results

1- For contents submitted that do not belong to the projects mentioned in Point 2.2, Article 9 of this Regulation, at the latest within two days from the date the Government Office submits, the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) must officially comment on the Report.

2- For contents submitted that are the projects mentioned in Point 2.2, Article 9 of this Regulation, if the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) needs to seek advice from experts or requires the proposer and related agencies to present more information before making a decision, the Government Office will prepare thoroughly and organize for the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) to meet with the experts, proposers, and these agencies. The time for the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister to make the final decision on these projects shall not exceed ten days.

3- Specifically for projects under the collective decision-making authority of the Government as stipulated in Point 2.2.1, Article 9 of this Regulation, after reviewing, depending on the nature and level of preparation of each project, the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) decides:

3.1- To submit the project to the Government meeting;

3.2- To postpone the submission of the project to the Government meeting for further preparation, if it is deemed that the project has not met the requirements;

3.3- To apply the form of Report seeking opinions from Government members as provided for in Clause 2, Article 1 of this Regulation.

4- Within five days from the date of receiving the final decision of the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister, the Government Office must complete the draft document for the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister to sign and promulgate.

For cases where it is not necessary to issue a document of the Government, the Prime Minister, according to the instructions of the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister, within the aforementioned five-day period, the Government Office must notify in writing the submitting agency and related agencies of the situation.

5- At the latest within twenty days from the date of receiving the complete documents from the submitting agency, if there is no final decision from the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, the Government Office must send a letter to notify the submitting agency of the reasons.

 

PART IV
SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Article 16. Preparation and convening of meetings

1- The Prime Minister convenes regular monthly meetings of the Government. In cases where it is deemed necessary or upon the request of at least one-third of the total number of Government members, the Prime Minister may convene extraordinary meetings.

2- Regular monthly meetings of the Government begin on the last Wednesday of the month. Depending on the need to address work, the Prime Minister may decide to change the meeting date but must notify the Government members at least five days before the start of the meeting.

3- At the latest ten days (in special cases, five days) before the Government meeting, the Project Proposer must submit the project dossier that has been reviewed and approved for presentation at the meeting by the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) as stipulated in Point 3.1, Article 15 of this Regulation to the Government Office. The number of dossiers submitted for approval at regular monthly meetings is one hundred (except in cases where the Government Office has notified otherwise).

4- The Government Office is responsible for:

4.1- Checking and compiling the project dossils presented at the meeting;

4.2- Preparing the agenda for the meeting, proposing the composition of attendees, and reporting to the Prime Minister for decision;

4.3- Sending invitations and meeting materials to Government members and invited representatives at least five days before the meeting, except in cases of extraordinary meetings.

Article 17. Attendees at the Council of Ministers' session

1- Government members must attend all Government meetings fully. A Government member who is absent due to health reasons or granted permission by the Prime Minister to travel on official business may delegate their deputy to attend the meeting, but such delegation must be approved by the Prime Minister and the delegator must bear responsibility for the opinions of the person delegated. The person attending the meeting on behalf of another must express the opinion of the person who delegated them and report the outcome of the meeting to the person who delegated them, without participating in voting at the meeting.

2- A Government meeting can proceed when at least two-thirds of the total number of Government members are present.

3- The Prime Minister invites the State President to attend Government meetings. The Chairman of the National Assembly's Ethnic Council, the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, the Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, heads of central-level mass organizations, and representatives of Party Committees and other National Assembly Committees are invited to attend Government meetings when discussing relevant issues.

4- The Minister, Head of the Government Office, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister, invites heads of Government agencies, Chairmen of People's Councils, Chairmen of Provincial People's Committees directly under the Central Government, and other invited representatives to attend Government meetings when necessary.

Representatives who are not Government members, if invited, may speak but cannot vote.

Article 18. Order of the Government Meeting:

1- The Prime Minister chairs the Government meeting. In the absence of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge will replace the Prime Minister to chair the meeting.

2- The Deputy Prime Ministers preside over discussions on draft projects submitted to the Government within their assigned fields.

3- The Government meeting shall be conducted in the following sequence:

3.1- The Minister, Head of the Government Office reports on the number of Government members present and absent, those attending in place of others, and those invited to attend; announces the Prime Minister's decision regarding the agenda of the meeting;

3.2- The chair controls the meeting;

3.3- The Government discusses each draft project in the following order:

3.3.1- The proposer of the draft project presents a summary report on the draft project, clearly stating the issues requiring the Government's opinion, without reading the full text of the draft project. If the issue requiring the Government's opinion has been sufficiently explained in the submission paper, the proposer does not need to present it again;

3.3.2- Members of the Government express their opinions, clearly indicating whether they agree or disagree with any points in the draft project. Each speech should not exceed 15 minutes;

3.3.3- The proposer of the draft project makes the final statement on unresolved points;

3.3.4- The Deputy Prime Minister in charge leads the discussion, concludes, and takes the vote of the Government;

3.3.5- If the discussion on an issue is deemed insufficiently clear, the Prime Minister may propose that the Government not approve the draft project and request further preparation;

3.4- Where necessary, the Prime Minister decides on the reporting or notification by Government members and heads of agencies under the Government of certain necessary information to the Government; the Minister, Head of the Government Office reports on the operation of the Government between meetings;

3.5- The Minister, Head of the Government Office submits the Government Resolution for approval by the Government. The Resolution must clearly record the issues approved and not approved at the meeting, the responsibilities of Government members and heads of related agencies in implementing the Resolution;

3.6- The chair delivers the closing remarks of the Government meeting.

Article 19. Minutes of the government session

1- The minutes of the Government meeting must fully record all statements made and the proceedings of the meeting, the concluding opinions of the discussion leader and the chair, and the voting results. The Minister, Head of the Government Office organizes the recording of the minutes and directly or delegates the Deputy Head to sign the minutes of the Government meeting.

2- The minutes of the meeting together with the documents circulated during the meeting are filed in the State archive and preserved according to confidentiality regulations.

Article 20. Issuance and Publication of Resolutions of the Government Meeting

1- Immediately after the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister, Head of the Government Office completes the draft, submits it to the Prime Minister for signature and issuance of the Resolution of the Government Meeting, and sends it to the Government members, heads of agencies under the Government, Chairpersons of People's Councils, Chairpersons of People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces for implementation, while also sending it to relevant agencies and organizations and publishing it through mass media (excluding contents classified as state secrets).

2- The issuance of documents adopted by the Government at the meeting shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Chapter V of this Regulation.

 

CHAPTER V
ISSUANCE AND PUBLICATION OF DOCUMENTS
OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIME MINISTER

Article 21. Time limit for issuance

1- Not later than five days from the end of the Government meeting, or from the date when the Prime Minister has decided on the draft projects mentioned in Clause 4, Article 15 of this Regulation, the Minister, Head of the Government Office, together with the proposers of the draft projects, complete the draft documents for submission to the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister for signature and issuance.

2- Directives and circulars guiding the implementation of resolutions and decrees of the Government must be prepared simultaneously with the draft resolutions and decrees and issued within ten days from the date of issuance of the Government's documents. In cases where agencies must jointly issue joint directives, the latest deadline shall not exceed twenty days from the date of issuance of the Government's documents.

Article 22. Authority to sign documents

1- The Prime Minister signs resolutions, decrees of the Government and decisions, directives of the Prime Minister concerning important policies, organizational structures, and personnel matters.

2- Deputy Prime Ministers responsible for specific areas sign on behalf of the Prime Minister decisions, directives, and documents to handle specific issues arising within their assigned areas.

3- In addition to the documents mentioned in Clause 2 of this Article, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge is also authorized by the Prime Minister to sign some of the documents mentioned in Clause 1 of this Article.

4- Ministers, heads of ministries equivalent to ministries, and heads of agencies under the Government sign some administrative documents when authorized by the Prime Minister.

5- Apart from signing documents authorized by the Prime Minister, the Minister, Head of the Government Office signs documents notifying the instructions of the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) for the relevant agencies to know and implement. These documents only have informational value and serve as reminders, and do not replace normative legal documents.

6- Instructions of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers concerning policies and systems must be embodied in documents signed by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers.

Article 23. Publication of Documents

1- Resolutions, decrees of the Government, decisions, directives of the Prime Minister, decisions, directives, circulars issued by Ministers, heads of ministries equivalent to ministries, and heads of agencies under the Government, and joint normative legal documents of central agencies, are all published publicly in accordance with the Law on Issuing Normative Legal Documents and Decree No. 101/CP dated September 23, 1997 of the Government; and are updated on the Government's wide-area network.

2- The Minister, Head of the Government Office organizes the updating of documents on the Government's wide-area network and publishes them in the Official Gazette in accordance with the Law on Issuing Normative Legal Documents, Decree No. 101/CP, and this Regulation.

 

Chapter VI
INSPECTION, AUDIT, AND SETTLEMENT OF COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS

Article 24. Responsibilities of Ministers, Heads of Ministerial-Level Agencies, Heads of Government-Affiliated Agencies, and Chairpersons of Provincial People's Committees Directly Under the Central Government

1- Organize inspection and supervision work at all levels and sectors to implement decisions of the Government and the Prime Minister; directly resolve and direct subordinate agencies to receive citizens, examine and resolve their petitions, complaints, and denunciations concerning matters within their respective sectors, fields, and localities.

2- Exercise the authority to propose, temporarily suspend, suspend, revoke legal documents that violate laws; issue decisions and conclusions on resolving citizens' complaints and denunciations according to the law and be responsible before the Government, the Prime Minister, and the law for those decisions and conclusions.

3- Timely resolve inspection and supervision cases, citizens' complaints and denunciations within its jurisdiction, and cases directly assigned by the Prime Minister or transferred from the State Audit Office, Party and State agencies.

4- Send to the Prime Minister, and concurrently to the State Auditor General, decisions and conclusions on inspections; decisions and conclusions on resolving citizens' complaints and denunciations that it has resolved.

5- Directly review and resolve denunciation letters against lower-level cadres and organizations, without transferring files for them to resolve themselves.

6- Organize and direct the thorough implementation of the State Auditor's decisions on resolving complaints, inter-ministerial conclusions, and directives of the Prime Minister; report results to the State Auditor General and the Prime Minister.

Article 25. Responsibilities of the State Inspector General

1- Directly inspect, supervise, guide Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities to conduct inspection work; receive citizens, resolve their petitions, complaints, denunciations, and cases directly assigned by the Prime Minister; review and issue decisions to resolve complaints against decisions of Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of agencies under the Government, Chairpersons of provincial and centrally-administered city People's Committees.

2- In regular monthly meetings of the Government at the beginning of each quarter, the State Auditor General reports on the overall situation of inspections, resolution of citizens' complaints and denunciations nationwide; evaluates strengths, weaknesses, solutions to address them, and proposes measures to handle issues with many violations by ministries, sectors, and localities.

3- Propose the Prime Minister convene leaders of central and local agencies related to discuss measures for the Prime Minister to consider and direct handling of complex cases involving multiple sectors and localities.

Article 26. Responsibilities of the Minister, Head of the Government Office

1- Coordinate with the State Audit Office to organize the receipt, classification of citizens' complaint and denunciation letters sent to the Prime Minister, transfer them to competent agencies for handling or report to the Prime Minister for consideration and directive, assign them to Ministries, sectors, and localities for resolution; directly review cases assigned by the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister);

2- Urge and inspect central and local agencies to report on the resolution of cases assigned by the Prime Minister and decisions of the State Auditor General that have taken legal effect but not yet implemented. If decisions on resolving complaints have taken legal effect but are contrary to the law or new circumstances arise making these decisions no longer lawful, then submit to the Prime Minister to assign the State Auditor General to review and resolve according to his authority and report the resolution result to the Prime Minister within thirty days.

3- On behalf of the Prime Minister reply to parties with letters in necessary cases.

 

Chapter VII
RECEIVING FOREIGN GUESTS, MEETINGS, BUSINESS TRIPS

Article 27. Receiving foreign guests

1- Besides receiving high-level delegations from foreign Parties, National Assemblies, Governments, or international organizations according to Party and State regulations and programs, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers shall carry out other foreign guest receptions including social and working (formal or informal) receptions upon requests from agencies and direct requests from guests to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers.

1.1- Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of agencies under the Government, Chairpersons of provincial and centrally-administered city People's Councils, who deem it necessary for the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) to receive foreign guests, must perform the following tasks:

1.1.1- Send a letter requesting reception to the Government Office at least seven days before the planned reception date, attaching necessary documents: Content and form of the reception; composition and brief biography of the delegation leader and some notable members; activities of the guests and their superior organizations abroad; Vietnamese side composition; proposals and suggestions;

1.1.2- In case the foreign guest is the head of a diplomatic mission of a foreign country or an international organization under the United Nations, inter-governmental, and the content of work relates to political foreign relations, the agency proposing the reception must exchange and provide a formal written opinion from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

1.1.3- Coordinate with the Government Office to prepare reception contents and implement the results of the reception.

1.2- The Government Office is responsible for:

1.2.1- Presenting the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) to receive guests according to the requests of agencies mentioned in Point 1.1 of this Article or direct requests from guests, and promptly informing the opinions of the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) to relevant agencies;

1.2.2- Coordinating with relevant agencies to prepare the content of the reception and organize service for the reception;

1.2.3- Coordinating with relevant agencies to organize the implementation of achievements obtained during the reception;

1.2.4- Specifically decide on journalists filming, photographing, and reporting on each reception according to the Prime Minister's (or Deputy Prime Minister's) instructions;

1.3- The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for ensuring security for receptions.

1.4- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for coordinating services for receptions, ensuring political foreign requirements, ceremonial and international reception customs.

2- The reception of foreign guests by the Minister, Head of an agency at the level of a ministry, Head of an agency under the Government, Chairman of the People's Council, and Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities:

2.1- The Minister, Head of an agency at the level of a ministry, Head of an agency under the Government, Chairman of the People's Council, and Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities shall decide to receive foreign guests proposed by subordinate units or other central and local agencies, but must have a letter clearly stating the content, time, and composition of the reception;

2.2- For foreign business guests, before receiving them, the Chairman of the People's Council, and Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities need to seek the opinions of the Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Heads of relevant central agencies;

2.3- After the reception, if there are issues that need to be resolved but are not within the jurisdiction of their own agency, they must send a document to the competent authority for consideration and resolution; then report to the Prime Minister, and copy the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Heads of related agencies;

2.4- Expenses for receiving foreign guests must comply with current regulations of the Government and guidelines of the Ministry of Finance.

Article 28. Organizing meetings of central agencies

1- At least once a year, the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) shall meet with leaders of each Ministry, agency at the level of a ministry, and agency under the Government to review the implementation of Party and State policies; guide the organization of implementation of new policies and measures.

2- When necessary, Ministries, agencies at the level of a ministry, and agencies under the Government may organize conferences inviting leaders from multiple Ministries, agencies at the level of a ministry, agencies under the Government, People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, or annual or multi-year national work summary conferences in large regions, but must obtain prior approval from the Prime Minister regarding the content, composition, time, and location of the meeting. Ministers, Heads of agencies at the level of a ministry, and Heads of agencies under the Government have the right to decide on organizing meetings of cadres within their sector to discuss professional matters or training sessions. All such meetings must be organized concisely, practically, and economically.

3- During the National Assembly session and Government meetings, members of the Government shall not travel abroad or to distant locations. In special cases, they must report and if approved by the Prime Minister, inform the Government Office of their address and telephone number at the destination for contact when necessary.

Article 29. The Prime Minister meets with Chairpersons of People's Councils and Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities

1- At least once a year, the Prime Minister shall meet with Chairmen of the People's Councils and Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities nationwide to implement the socio-economic plan, state budget, and discuss some management policies.

1.1- The Director of the People's Committee Office of provinces and centrally governed cities, and some Ministers, Heads of agencies at the level of a ministry, Heads of agencies under the Government, and Department Directors related to the agenda may attend the meeting.

1.2- Reports at the conference must be prepared like proposals submitted to the Government and sent to representatives at least five days before the meeting.

1.3- At the conference, the proposer only presents a summary of the proposal and issues with differing opinions for discussion and decision.

1.4- After the meeting, the Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities shall organize the implementation of the conclusions reached in the meeting and carry out related tasks locally.

2- When necessary, the Prime Minister may convene Chairmen of the People's Councils and Chairmen of the People's Committees of some provinces and centrally governed cities to meet to coordinate in solving important specialized issues involving multiple localities:

2.1- The Prime Minister assigns a Deputy Prime Minister or Minister, Head of an agency at the level of a ministry, or Head of an agency under the Government to chair and coordinate with relevant agencies and localities to investigate and survey the situation, study and build specific proposals to submit to the Prime Minister for review before organizing the conference;

2.2- The meeting file must be sent to representatives at least five days before the meeting, and during the meeting, only a summary should be presented with clear conclusions;

2.3- The Chairman of the People's Council and Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities are responsible for participating in preparing proposals, sending the correct composition of participants to the meeting, and implementing the conclusions of the meeting locally.

3- In case of urgent or unexpected issues, or those of localities unrelated to central agencies, the Chairman of the People's Council and Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities may directly work or report and seek guidance from the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister).

Article 30. Traveling to local areas.

1- According to the direction of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and the request of the Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities, the Government Office shall prepare the program for the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers to visit and work officially with the leadership of provinces and centrally governed cities to inspect the implementation of state policies and laws, the directives of central and local agencies, promptly help localities overcome difficulties; survey the actual situation, meet with the people; study advanced experiences and models and correct deviations (if any).

1.1- The Government Office shall closely cooperate with the Central Party Office, National Assembly Office, and President's Office in arranging schedules for senior Party and State leaders to visit and work in localities.

1.2- The agency related to the work content of the Prime Minister shall prepare in advance. If localities have issues to be addressed by the Government and the Prime Minister, they must submit them to the Prime Minister at least 20 days before the scheduled date of the Prime Minister's visit as listed in the Annual Work Program under Clause 1, Article 10 of this Regulation.

1.3- Official visits and working trips must be announced by the Government Office to the locality at least five days in advance.

1.4- The Government Office shall coordinate with relevant agencies of the Government and People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities to prepare the work program for the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers' visits to localities and submit it to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers for decision on the content, time, and composition of the working delegation.

1.5- The total number of people participating in the working delegation (including service staff) of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers shall not exceed thirty persons.

1.6- If traveling to localities outside Hanoi by car, the Government Office shall organize shared transportation for the delegation.

1.7- When the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister returns to work, localities must absolutely not organize welcoming ceremonies; they shall not organize welcoming or farewell events at provincial or centrally governed city administrative boundaries.

1.8- The Ministry of Home Affairs shall ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister's working delegations in localities.

2- Members of the Government and heads of government agencies shall allocate time to conduct surprise inspections at grassroots levels such as wards, communes, etc., to survey actual conditions, summarize models, meet and interact with the people, and listen to their opinions and aspirations.

Depending on the content of each working trip, appropriate organizational forms should be adopted to ensure practicality and economy, which may or may not include prior notification to localities.

3- When localities encounter natural disasters, epidemics, or unexpected accidents causing significant casualties and property damage, the Prime Minister shall decide on the following measures:

3.1- Sending telegrams to express condolences, instructing relevant sectors and levels to organize the mitigation of consequences, restore production, and stabilize the people's lives;

3.2- Personally visiting the disaster site to inspect and direct operations, or establishing an inter-sectoral working delegation led by a Deputy Prime Minister or Minister to direct preventive and remedial efforts. The Prime Minister shall delegate authority to the Head of the inter-sectoral working delegation to decide on certain emergency assistance measures at the central level. The working delegation shall report the situation and propose further handling measures.

Government working delegations must be concise, effective, and avoid causing inconvenience to local leadership and residents.

Article 31Overseas Trips

1- The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers going abroad:

1.1- Based on the Foreign Ministry's proposal, the Government Office shall draft the program for the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers' overseas visits and working trips, to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.

1.2- The Foreign Ministry shall coordinate with the Government Office and relevant agencies to prepare the content of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers' overseas work programs and the composition of the working delegation, to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.

1.3- The Foreign Ministry shall be responsible for organizing and serving the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers' overseas visits and working trips. Relevant agencies shall cooperate with the Foreign Ministry to implement these tasks according to the division of labor assigned by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers.

1.4- The Foreign Ministry shall coordinate with relevant agencies to compile reports on the results of the trips and propose follow-up actions to implement the achieved outcomes, to be submitted to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers.

2- Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, Chairpersons of Provincial People's Councils, and Chairpersons of Central City People's Committees going abroad for visits or work must comply with the following regulations:

2.1- Submit a formal letter requesting permission from the Prime Minister, detailing the purpose and content of the trip, destination, composition and number of participants, duration abroad, anticipated issues and solutions; written comments from the Foreign Ministry and relevant agencies (if applicable). This document must be sent to the Prime Minister, copied to the Foreign Ministry and relevant agencies at least fifteen days before departure.

2.2- Strictly adhere to current regulations on the management of outbound and inbound delegations.

2.3- Within five days after the end of the trip, submit a written report to the Prime Minister, copied to the Foreign Minister and heads of relevant agencies.

2.4- Expenses for overseas visits and working trips must comply with the Government's regulations and the guidelines of the Ministry of Finance.

 

Chapter VIII
REPORTING AND INFORMATION WORK

Article 32Reporting and information work within the administrative apparatus

1- Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, and Chairpersons of Central City People's Committees have the responsibility to:

1.1- Strengthen specialized units responsible for information and reporting to enable leadership bodies to grasp the main developments occurring daily in their respective sectors, fields, and localities;

1.2- Submit regular reports (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually), special topic reports, and urgent reports as stipulated by the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister;

1.3- Delegate authority to the Director of their office to sign urgent and weekly reports; organize the updating of various types of reports, operational information, work programs, and daily activities of leaders onto the wide-area network of the Government (excluding confidential information);

1.4- Prepare reports for the Government and the Prime Minister to submit to higher-level agencies as assigned by the Prime Minister.

1.5- Regularly exchange information with central and local agencies related to the matter. Fulfill the obligation to provide information when receiving legitimate requests from other agencies and localities. Invite specialized officers from the Government Office to attend weekly briefings and summary meetings when necessary, and final evaluation meetings of their own agency's work.

2- The content, deadlines, and methods for submitting reports shall be prescribed by the Prime Minister.

3- In addition to the duties of other Ministers, the Minister, Head of the Government Office must also perform the following tasks:

3.1- Organize daily information provision to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers on issues that have been and are being resolved by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers; important issues submitted to the Prime Minister by central and local agencies; and some economic, social, security, defense, foreign affairs, and prominent international situations of the day.

3.2- Organize daily news briefing for the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, and notify the instructions of the Prime Minister (or Deputy Prime Minister) to handle issues raised in the press to relevant agencies, and monitor the implementation, reporting back to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers.

3.3- Organize information exchange and participate in the weekly coordination meeting with the Central Party Office, the President's Office, the National Assembly Office, and the Party Committees.

3.4- Submit a mid-month report on the activities of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers to leaders of some high-level Party and State agencies.

3.5- Submit a monthly report on the guidance and management of the Government and Prime Minister, and prominent situations regarding the economy, society, security, defense, foreign affairs, to members of the Government, heads of government agencies, chairpersons of provincial People's Councils, city People's Councils directly under the Central Government, and leaders of some other Party and State agencies, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and central-level people's organizations.

3.6- Guide, supervise, and urge agencies to strictly implement the information and reporting system, and organize the exploitation of these information to serve the guidance and management of the Government and Prime Minister.

4- The Minister of Planning and Investment, in addition to the duties stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, must also inform about the implementation of the state plan during the period at the regular session of the Government. The Minister, head of a ministry equivalent to a ministry, head of a government agency, chairman of the People's Council, and chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and cities directly under the Central Government are responsible for providing full and timely information to the Minister of Planning and Investment for the purpose of making announcements and serving the guidance and management of the Government and Prime Minister.

Article 33. Information on government activities for the people

1- Members of the Government, heads of government agencies, chairmen of the People's Council, and chairmen of the People's Committee of provinces and cities directly under the Central Government must inform the media and the public about important decisions within their authority and the implementation of national policies and laws through various forms.

1.1- The Prime Minister (Deputy Prime Minister) shall directly or delegate the Minister, Head of the Government Office, or the Prime Minister's Spokesperson to hold regular monthly press conferences, press conferences after Government sessions, and after meetings of the Prime Minister with ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, localities, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, central-level people's organizations, and international guests, etc.

1.2- The Minister, Head of the Government Office, or the Prime Minister's Spokesperson shall regularly provide information to the media about the activities of the Government and Prime Minister in accordance with regulations.

1.3- The Minister, head of a ministry equivalent to a ministry, head of a government agency, chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and cities directly under the Central Government have the responsibility to:

1.3.1- Maintain regular relations and create favorable conditions for mass media agencies to provide accurate and timely information about events occurring in their sectors, fields, and localities.

1.3.2- Organize regular monthly press conferences, press conferences before or after issuing important documents, when implementing major policies of the Party and State, and when significant events occur.

1.3.3- Organize the publication and free distribution of documents and regulations related to citizens' rights and obligations.

1.3.4- Regularly review the press and respond to press inquiries upon request from press agencies or at the Prime Minister's request; require press agencies that have published false, distorted, or defamatory articles to issue corrections, or initiate legal proceedings according to the law.

1.3.5- Strengthen the management of information and press work, establish press conference rules, and internal information provision systems; do not disclose state secrets externally.

1.4- The Minister, head of a ministry equivalent to a ministry, head of a government agency, the Prime Minister's Spokesperson, and chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and cities directly under the Central Government must inform the cultural and information department at the same level about their annual press conference plans without needing to seek permission for each press conference.

2- Chairmen of People's Councils at all levels, heads of state agencies, and people's organizations must make public the situation of collection and use of funds raised from the people (excluding taxes paid to the State). When signs of corruption or misuse of funds are detected, contributors and domestic journalists have the right to demand managers and heads of agencies that decided to collect contributions to provide and explain these figures fully without any restrictions.

3- Meetings, working sessions, and receptions of government agencies and local administrative bodies, if there is a need to broadcast on radio or television or publish in newspapers, may invite journalists to film and take photographs five minutes before the opening. After the meeting, the organizing agency shall hold a press conference to announce the results of the meeting (if approved by the chairperson of the meeting).

Article 34. External Information

1- The Vietnam News Agency, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shall carry out news reporting on foreign newspapers and regularly provide external information to the Prime Minister and other members of the Government.

2- The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall preside over and coordinate with relevant central and local agencies to organize regular information dissemination about the situation of the country to foreign press bureaus permanently stationed in Vietnam.

3- The Chairman of the Government Office or the Prime Minister's Spokesperson shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Culture and Information to organize quarterly or ad hoc press conferences to inform about the economic, cultural, social situation and activities of the Government and the Prime Minister to foreign media agencies.

4- The Minister of Culture and Information shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Post Office, the Vietnam News Agency, the Voice of Vietnam Radio, Vietnam Television, and other information and press agencies to expand the dissemination of information abroad about the overall situation of the country (excluding information classified as state secrets)./