Administrative reform key to Government of integrity: minister

The minister, who is also deputy head of the Government Steering Committee on Administrative Reform, pointed to the need to continue completing the institutional system, focusing on the institutions of the economy as well as the organisation and operation of State administration.

It is crucial to continue renovating the working methods, management and governance of the Government, the Prime Minister, ministries and local administrative agencies over administrative reform, he said, adding that heads of such agencies at all levels should bear the first responsibility of administrative reform results.

At the same time, it is necessary to speed up the reform of administrative procedures, thus improving the quality and efficiency of public services amidst increasing economic integration, stated the minister.

He also underscored the need of decentralising and empowering local governments in the settlement of security and socio-economic development issues. The Government should also focus more on ensuring democracy and a uniform and smooth administration system.

Over the past number of years, the Government, ministries, sectors and localities have made various efforts in the field, notably the issuance of a proposal on the simplification of administrative procedures in areas of State management, said the minister.

In the past five years, administrative reform has obtained six major achievements, he said, noting that the reform of administrative procedures have been implemented at all levels towards simplification, creating a smooth and favourable environment for socio-economic development and ensuring the legitimate right of the people.

Meanwhile, State budget collection and spending regulations as well as laws on the use of State property and its management have been improved, reducing corruption, while a one-stop-shop mechanism for the public to access services has been carried out in all localities, he said.

At the same time, the application of information technology in administrative agencies has been increased, thus enhancing their effectiveness and transparency, said the minister.

He noted that as of June 2016, 4,527 out of total 4,723 administrative procedures were simplified, or 95.85%. However, there remain many complicated and wordy procedures confusing people and enterprises, hindering growth, he added.

Minister Tan stressed that in the coming time, administrative procedure reform should focus on managing the procedures from their issuance to their enforcement in reality, while speeding up reform in areas of taxation, customs, investment, business, real estate, and construction, in line with the building of an e-government.