USAID/VNCI II Monthly Report May 2012

Simplifying Administrative Procedures is a major focus area, with the goal of improving compliance and performance from line ministries and provinces on Administrative Procedure (AP) reform. APCA, the Agency for Public Administration, has been working closely with USAID/VNCI to develop a strategy for monitoring and evaluating AP reform activities. This includes developing a measurement and evaluation (M&E) framework to assess the impact of AP reform on individuals and businesses. USAID/VNCI's Senior Regulatory Reform consultant, Scott Jacobs, has been instrumental in this effort, sharing international best practices and facilitating discussions with key stakeholders. One notable development is the meeting between USAID/VNCI's Senior Regulatory Reform consultant, Scott Jacobs, and Vice Minister Thu on the sustainability of AP reform and its optimal impacts on socio-economic development in Vietnam. The discussion aimed to share challenges, success stories, and best practices in AP reform, with the goal of securing support from higher-level government leaders. Another key area of focus is the Unified Citizen Identity Number, which aims to simplify time costs, fees, and paperwork for citizens and government. APCA's Internal Affairs Department has been working with private sector representatives to finalize a strategy review plan, with USAID/VNCI's advisory team providing international experiences and key points to consider. The Guiding Materials on AP Bundle Review have been approved and issued for implementation at the ministerial and provincial levels. These materials provide guidance on applying process mapping and review forms in carrying out review plans for Decision No. 263/QD-TTg and annual AP review. USAID/VNCI's advisory team has been heavily involved in the development of these guiding materials, contributing considerable inputs and expertise. The team has also been working closely with APCA to ensure consistency and quality of review implementation and results. In addition to AP reform, USAID/VNCI has been working on Regulatory Reform and Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). The initiative has been supporting the drafting of the Law on Spatial Planning, which aims to promote integrated planning and optimal use of resources and infrastructure. USAID/VNCI has also been working with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to revise the Law on Laws, with the goal of laying out a foundation for future regulatory reform and better regulations in Vietnam. The Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) is another key area of focus for USAID/VNCI. The initiative has been working with provincial governments to improve their business environment and competitiveness. In Thai Nguyen, for example, the provincial government has established a PCI Steering Committee to improve the business environment and its PCI results. The committee has issued an articulated plan on detailed implementation of the Directive, with clear tasks assigned to line departments and local administrations. Overall, the USAID/VNCI Monthly Report for May 2012 highlights the initiative's ongoing efforts to improve Vietnam's business environment and competitiveness. The report provides a detailed overview of the initiative's key activities, achievements, and challenges, and serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders and policymakers.