Quang Ninh (VNA)🙈 - Efficient and transparent handling of administrative procedures has long been recognised as a key factor in fostering socio-economic development, enhancing public trust, and improving the investment climate.

In recent years, the northern province of Quang Ninh has emerged as a leader in simplifying procedures and driving administrative reform, thereby creating more favorable conditions for businesses and citizens alike. Reflecting the national agenda, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has repeatedly underscored the importance of cutting red tape and reforming administrative processes. He has called on ministries and localities to reduce at least 30% of business-related conditions, cut 30% of procedural timelines, and lower compliance costs by the same margin. A major focus is also on offering all public services online through the National Public Service Portal, and enabling cross-locality administrative procedures at the provincial level objectives that are expected to be achieved by 2025. Quang Ninh has aligned its reform efforts with this directive, embracing the Prime Minister’s “five acceleration” approach, including streamlining legal frameworks; actively engaging with citizens and businesses to resolve procedural challenges; enhancing the public service ethic while curbing corruption; advancing digital transformation and data integration; and promoting cashless payments across sectors. This commitment has translated into measurable results. In 2024, Quang Ninh ranked second in Vietnam’s Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) and placed fourth nationwide in both the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR Index) and the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS). Notably, it topped the country in the 2024 PAPI (Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index) rankings. As of May, the province had cut processing times for 1,007 out of 1,786 administrative procedures, surpassing 56% of total procedures, with a cumulative reduction of more than 6,000 days, or 34%, well above the national 30% target. Furthermore, 48 procedures previously handled by the provincial People's Committee and Chairman of the provincial People's Committee have been delegated to relevant departments, and another 255 have been decentralised for on-site handling at the Provincial Public Administration Service Centre. The province has also made significant progress in digital governance. Of the 1,837 administrative procedures under provincial jurisdiction, 1,763 are now available as online public services, equivalent to 96%. Of these, 45.6% are fully online end-to-end services, while 54.4% are partially online. In line with its two-tier government model, Quang Ninh has launched a pilot version of its revamped public administration service center, extending operations from the provincial level down to 54 communes and wards. Initial feedback shows the system is running smoothly. Local officials have adapted quickly to the new platform, which features smart connectivity, data synchronisation, and clear administrative responsibilities. One of the key innovations is the ability to process administrative procedures without being constrained by geographic boundaries. Under this model, individuals and businesses can submit requests from anywhere within the province, regardless of their residence or jurisdiction. All procedures are managed through the centralised digital system by trained staff at the provincial service centre. To further strengthen this system, Quang Ninh has instructed departments and grassroots authorities to continue reviewing current procedures to identify bottlenecks, overlaps, or inconsistencies with on-the-ground realities. Emphasis is being placed on addressing pressing concerns raised by the public and private sectors, with an eye toward quick, practical solutions. This ongoing reform effort reflects the province’s determination to modernize governance, improve public satisfaction, and maintain a favorable investment environment. Quang Ninh’s leadership in administrative innovation sets a strong example for other localities aiming to boost economic performance through better public service delivery./.