Contents of the project to simplify administrative procedures, citizenship papers and databases related to population management during 2013-2020 was announced at a press conference in Hanoi on June 13.

Nation eyes plan for unified ID numbers

Under the project, which was approved by the Prime Minister on June 8, from 2016, all Vietnamese citizens will be given an identification (ID) number to identify themselves to Government agencies in any administrative transaction.

The number will provide basic personal records, about 20-25 categories of information including birth, marriage, divorce and residence.

According to the Justice Ministry, the granting of ID numbers will help to simplify at least 1,300 administration procedures which require citizens to fill out application forms, declarations or submit personal documents and notarised copies thus help to save about 1.6 trillion VND (76.8 million USD) each year.

From now to 2015, a digital national citizens’ database will be set up, combining basic information about members of the public. This promotes close cooperation among Government agencies and citizens in providing, collecting and verifying the information

The project was expected to create fundamental innovation and breakthrough in the country’s administrative reform and saving money for society.

Speaking at the press briefing, representatives from the Ministries of Public Security, Justice, Information and Communications answered questions concerning process of granting ID numbers, measures to ensure secret of citizens’ information and coordination between justice agencies and police agencies in granting ID numbers.

According to Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Le Hong Son, the simplification of administrative procedures was part of Vietnam’s administrative reforms which were launched in 2011. So far, more than 5,700 administrative procedures have been simplified.

Son said furthering administrative reforms is crucial to improving Vietnam’s investment environment and helping the nation overcome the current economic crisis. He said that administrative procedures in

Vietnam were costly and time-consuming, making the country less competitive than other countries in the region and discouraging foreign investors.

On average, 600,000 administrative transactions are done daily.

Source: Vietnam Plus