Thanh Hoa Province Streamlines Administrative Procedures to Boost Economic Growth

Thanh Hoa province in Vietnam has significantly reduced processing times for 49 administrative procedures, cutting delays by 30% to 60% to enhance efficiency for businesses and citizens, according to local government reports.

Administrative Procedure Simplification

Thanh Hoa has simplified administrative processes across sectors including investment, construction, real estate, and employment. Key procedures such as investment policy adjustments, land allocation, construction permits, and foreign work permits are now prioritized, drastically reducing waiting times. The province completed reviews of 60 procedures, cutting processing times from 1,375 to 518 days, surpassing its target. Additionally, 798 procedures were updated to replace physical documents with digital data sharing, while 2,208 central-level procedures saw a 100% success rate in reviews.

Digital Transformation

To modernize services, all eligible procedures now offer online options, allowing citizens and businesses to complete tasks remotely. Local authorities have implemented digital tools, including electronic form submissions, data-sharing systems, and personal electronic data warehouses. The province’s administrative procedures information system is integrated with the national public services portal, enabling 24/7 access regardless of administrative boundaries.

Decentralization and Power Delegation

Thanh Hoa has decentralized 415 procedures, delegating authority to local agencies and district-level committees. For example, the provincial People’s Committee delegated 243 procedures to department directors, while 22 were passed to division chiefs. The initiative aims to reduce workloads on higher authorities, allowing them to focus on policy-making and critical cases. “Rational decentralization strengthens local governance capacities, ensuring faster and more efficient service delivery,” said Le Manh Hung, deputy director of Truong Van commune’s public administrative services center.

Impact on Citizens and Businesses

The reforms have reduced costs and administrative burdens for businesses, accelerating project implementation. The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ministry, for instance, proposed delegating 28 procedures and reducing processing times for 117 others by at least 30%. The Industry and Trade Ministry has already delegated 137 procedures and plans to delegate 46 more. Local authorities also provide support, such as computer access for online applications and partnerships with telecom companies for SIM card registrations and banks for digital payment setups.

Future Goals and Challenges

Ministries continue to submit proposals to the provincial People’s Committee to delegate 369 additional procedures. The reforms align with broader national goals to improve governance transparency and public trust. However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent implementation across all districts and maintaining digital infrastructure. “Removing unnecessary obstacles and replacing complex processes with transparency will strengthen public confidence in state institutions,” the report concluded.

Text and photos: Minh Khoi
Source: Thanh Hoa People’s Committee