USAID/VNCI II Monthly Report February 2012

Simplifying Administrative Procedures is a major focus area, with the OOG Vice Chairman Kieu Dinh Thu meeting with the APCA team to discuss the long-term activity of administrative procedure reform. Thu emphasized the importance of a good regulatory and institutional system that clearly defines government intervention and its scope. Capacity building for APCA is also a priority, with training programs for new members and support staff on impact assessment and national database management. A one-day workshop on improving quality of APs supervision was organized, with topics including scope/coverage of Decree 63 and discipline and guidance to administrative agencies. A half-day workshop on overhauling the National Database was also conducted, with USAID/VNCI team members providing key support and guidance. Stronger outreach for AP reform is being pursued, with Minister Dam instructing APCA to work with the Government Portal and VTV, VN News Agency, and VN Radio to promote AP reform activities. Donor coordination on regulatory reform is also underway, with discussions with IFC, OECD, and World Bank on developing an M&E system for AP reform and linking the new Economic Management and Competitiveness Credit with the Master Plan for Regulatory Reform and Policy Coordination. Regulatory Reform and Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) are also key areas of focus. RIA training courses are being delivered to ministerial officials to improve their understanding of RIA and its application for drafting new laws and regulations. Support is being provided to develop better regulations, including the National Assembly's Review of Price Law, where USAID/VNCI-initiated comments on market unfriendly clauses were welcomed by the FBC-NA. The Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) is also being promoted, with the national launch of the 7th PCI 2011 report in Melia Hotel, Hanoi. Media coverage of the event was extensive, with over 120 articles in online and printed newspapers. PCI-related events, including a workshop on tax management and comments on SIIR's draft report on Industrial Relations in Vietnam, are also being supported. Infrastructure Financing/Development via Revenue Bonds & Public-Private Partnerships is another key area of focus. Capacity building and support for PPP TF is being provided, including assessing the IFC's proposal to PPP TF in supporting the Hai Phong-Ha Long Expressway project and making recommendations for MPI/PPP TF in managing consultant work for HHE. A Project Life Cycle program for the Halong-Haiphong Expressway project is also being developed to assist MPI, Quang Ninh, and other government agencies in managing political expectations.