Vietnam’s parliament approved a $67 billion high-speed rail project and passed new data protection and electricity laws on the final day of its regular session on Saturday.
The high-speed rail project, Vietnam’s most ambitious infrastructure undertaking, will connect Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City over 1,541 km (958 miles). The project aims for completion by 2035.
The data protection law tightens rules on personal data processing and cross-border transfers, raising concerns among U.S. tech firms about potential impacts on operations. The law also allows government access to data under certain circumstances.
The electricity law aims to simplify energy project investments and fast-track direct power purchase agreements, enabling manufacturers to negotiate renewable energy supplies directly with providers.
Additional legislation is expected to address specific sectors, such as wind, nuclear, and offshore power.
These measures reflect Vietnam’s efforts to modernize infrastructure and strengthen its legal framework in key sectors.
