Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung. (Photo: Doan Tan/VNA)
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In the afternoon of May 25, reporting at the end of the supervision session on the implementation of Resolution No. 43/2022/QH15 of the National Assembly on policies to support the program of economic recovery and development, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung stated that this policy was formulated under extremely challenging circumstances, with a sharp decline in growth and a disrupted global supply chain.
According to the head of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, these circumstances had far-reaching consequences, necessitating an urgent and substantial policy package to support businesses and people, maintain growth momentum, and facilitate recovery.
Inadequate Coordination Among Agencies
Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasized the unprecedented challenges faced by the economy, with a significant decline in growth, businesses struggling and withdrawing, and laborers experiencing difficulties. He attributed these challenges to the implementation of economic recovery and development programs on a large scale, covering multiple sectors and subjects, for the first time.
The complex and cumbersome procedures further exacerbated the situation, causing delays that were repeatedly discussed at every session, according to the Minister.
He also mentioned limited experience and capacity, as well as inadequate coordination among agencies, as contributing factors to the challenges.
Referring to the lessons learned from the implementation of the economic recovery and development program, which was mentioned by many delegates, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung pointed out that the first issue was the method of support.
“We may need to reconsider our approach,” he said, explaining that other countries often provide direct cash support, giving each person USD 1,500 to 2,000, which immediately stimulates consumption in the economy. In contrast, Vietnam’s approach has been through policies, which require guidance documents and supervision, resulting in lengthy procedures that diminish the effectiveness of the support.
“By the time we finish the procedures, the issue may no longer be relevant,” shared Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, expressing his concern.
North-South Expressway in Eastern Vietnam. (Photo: Vietnam+)
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Regarding the two-year time frame for the economic recovery and development program, the Minister advised against including large projects, as they require a significant amount of time for implementation. He suggested that if such projects were to be included, the timeframe should be extended, and there should be consequences for failing to complete the procedures within the allotted time.
Need for Special Policies
In terms of solutions, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasized the need for a thorough, consistent, and unified institutional improvement, rather than the current situation of numerous obstacles. He stressed that policies should be simple, easy to understand, agree upon, implement, and supervise.
Echoing the sentiments of many delegates, the Minister asserted, “If it’s special, there must be special policies, procedures, and processes. Otherwise, we will run out of time. We have to seek mechanisms for everything.”
He also highlighted the importance of thorough decentralization, including between the central and local levels and between the National Assembly and the Government. Currently, the lists of projects under the economic recovery and development program have to go through multiple rounds of submission, which is time-consuming and unnecessary.
Minister Nguyen Chi Dung suggested that the National Assembly should focus on major issues, such as decision-making, policy formulation, supervision, and leave the detailed implementation to the Government. This would expedite processes while still allowing the National Assembly to retain its role and manage the goals.
In line with this spirit, the Ministry of Planning and Investment is studying and proposing amendments to the Law on Public Investment, the Law on Bidding, and the Law on Investment in the form of Public-Private Partnerships to meet practical demands and shorten implementation times.
Minister Nguyen Chi Dung also emphasized the responsibility of agencies and their leaders in formulating and executing the program, as well as improving coordination among agencies.
Hung Vo
