Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Official Telegram No. 144 directing ministries, agencies, and localities to ensure substantial reductions in administrative procedures and business conditions, while guaranteeing smooth and effective two-tier local government operations.

Ambitious targets for 2025

Under Resolution 66 on simplifying administrative procedures (APs) for 2025-2026, ministries and agencies were tasked with reviewing and proposing reductions. To date, 10 ministries and agencies have submitted plans, with four already approved. These involve the streamlining of 1,315 APs and the elimination of 872 business conditions.

In 2025 alone, the government aims to abolish 488 APs and simplify 2,675 others, accounting for nearly 75% of all APs related to business activities. Additionally, 2,028 out of 7,806 business conditions are expected to be cut, representing 26%.

Across 34 provinces and cities, local governments have been upgrading their public service systems to align with the new two-tier administration model. Between July 1 and August 23, more than 6.5 million administrative requests were processed, including 4.8 million at the commune level - a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Challenges remain

Despite progress, several shortcomings persist. The Ministries of Health and Home Affairs have yet to submit their plans, while the Ministries of Industry and Trade and Health may fall short of the minimum 30% reduction target for business conditions.

Some ministries have not upgraded their information systems in time to support seamless two-tier administration, and local databases remain inadequately connected. Staffing issues also persist, with some offices lacking trained personnel and technical facilities, including delays in issuing digital signatures.

Prime Minister’s directives

The Prime Minister ordered ministries to finalize their proposals by August 31, including the Ministries of Health, Home Affairs, Science and Technology, Foreign Affairs, and the State Bank of Vietnam. The Ministry of Industry and Trade must proactively cut conditions through legislative updates, ensuring a minimum 30% reduction this year.

Provincial leaders are tasked with revising local regulations, enhancing online public services, and resolving procedural bottlenecks. Specific instructions were given to provinces such as Tuyen Quang, Dak Lak, Tay Ninh, and Lai Chau to expedite the issuance of digital signatures, while Dong Thap and Dien Bien must provide adequate equipment at local public service centers.

“This is a critical and urgent task,” the directive stressed, calling on ministers, provincial leaders, and local authorities to ensure reforms are fully implemented to deliver streamlined, uninterrupted services for citizens and businesses under the two-tier administration model.

N. Huyen