The issuance of the law aims to create a legal framework for e-transactions, data messages, and e-signatures, thus increasing the effectiveness of information technology application in socio-economic development.
Presenting the bill, Ho Duc Viet, Chairman of the NA's Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, stressed the need to quickly issue the law because the information technology revolution is making great progress, and Viet Nam is further integrating into the world. Already, over 50 countries and international organisations promulgating legal documents on e-transaction. Viet said, Viet Nam, as a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), is adhering to its plan to conduct all transactions electronically with developed countries by the end of 2005, and with developing countries by 2010. Viet Nam has also signed an e-ASEAN framework agreement on e-trade and e-government. He said the legal framework needed to be urgently completed in order to comply with these commitments.
He noted that e-transaction services have rapidly increased in Viet Nam in recent years. Many State agencies have carried out IT projects, many ministries, agencies and localities have launched websites to supply information on policies and administrative procedures. Many businesses have also conducted e-transactions in their operations.
However, he said, these procedures have not been completely developed due to the lack of a legal framework.
Many deputies raised concerns about whether or not to subject the administrative sector to the regulations of the law on e-transaction.
According to Mai Anh, President of the Viet Nam Information Association, e-transactions have in fact been conducted in the administrative domain, and many ministries and agencies have provided public services in this form. Moreover, projects on e-government, e-trade and office information technology cover administrative relations, so it is suitable to include administrative relations in the law.
Quelle: Viet Nam News Agency, 31.05.2005
