Administrative procedure reform in Vietnam during the 2011–2020 period

Abstract

This paper assesses the process of administrative procedure reform in Vietnam during the implementation of the Master Program on State Administration Reform (2011–2020). The objective is to clarify, evaluate the achievements, and identify the persistent shortcomings in reform implementation. The research is based on document analysis, synthesis of government reports, policy documents, and statistical data, combined with evidence from governance indices such as PAPI and PCI. The findings reveal significant achievements, including the simplification of administrative regulations, improvements in the transparency and efficiency of service delivery, and the expansion of online public services at levels 3 and 4. These reforms contributed to reducing costs and burdens for citizens and enterprises, enhancing the business environment, and promoting Vietnam’s socio-economic development and international integration. However, challenges remain, including overlapping regulations, inconsistent implementation, limited effectiveness of online services, and instances of bureaucratic harassment. The study highlights the importance of ongoing institutional reform, digital transformation, and citizen-centred governance, providing policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of administrative procedure reform in subsequent phases.