Unleashing the Power of Resolution 98: A Comprehensive Strategy for Success

On August 27, the Steering Committee for the Implementation of Resolution 98/2023 of the National Assembly on piloting several mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City held a meeting. The meeting was chaired by Politburo member and Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen.

Over two-thirds of the work completed

According to the Steering Committee, after more than a year of implementing Resolution 98, Ho Chi Minh City has developed a synchronous plan for the deployment of mechanisms and policies, initially achieving positive results in terms of progress, volume, and quality, surpassing the implementation of Resolution 54/2017.

Vice Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee, Vo Van Hoan, stated that out of the 44 special mechanisms stipulated in Resolution 98, the city has implemented 30. Some of these mechanisms and policies have been integrated into people’s lives and have gained high consensus in society, such as policies on poverty reduction loans and income increases for officials, public employees, and workers.

Specifically, in the field of investment management, Ho Chi Minh City is implementing all four mechanisms. The city has allocated VND 3,794 billion in public investment to support poverty reduction and job creation and approved the list of seven TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) positions along metro lines. Regarding financial mechanisms and state budget management, the city has implemented five out of 12 mechanisms. Notably, VND 1,500 billion in public investment has been allocated to support interest rates for projects invested by the Ho Chi Minh City Finance and Investment State-owned Company (HFIC) in priority areas for socio-economic development.

In the group of mechanisms related to urban management, natural resources, and the environment, seven out of 13 mechanisms have been implemented. Ho Chi Minh City has approved investment policies for a project to supply about 2,000 social housing apartments to the market.

However, according to Vice Chairman Vo Van Hoan, the progress in constructing and issuing plans to implement the special mechanisms and policies has been slow, especially those related to mobilizing and utilizing resources to help the city maximize its potential and strengths for rapid and robust development. These include policies on piloting the TOD model and prioritizing strategic investors. Moreover, the realization of the mechanisms and policies issued by the Municipal People’s Council or under the authority of the Municipal People’s Committee has not yielded noticeable results.

Aiming for greater effectiveness

Mr. Phan Nguyen Nhu Khue, member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Municipal Party Committee’s Propaganda and Education Commission, stated that Party organizations and the people paid great attention to the impact of Resolution 98. He affirmed that the entire political system of the city was moving according to the contents set out in the resolution.

Ho Chi Minh City has done well in assigning roles and tasks and has received high appreciation from the people. The work of disseminating information and propaganda about Resolution 98 has been diverse and rich. However, some agencies and units still lack a full understanding of the resolution, which has somewhat affected the overall effectiveness.

Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee, Phan Van Mai, acknowledged that after a year of implementing Resolution 98, the city has basically concretized the relevant documents but has not met expectations. One reason for this is that when Ho Chi Minh City builds documents within its competence, some contents need to be consulted and advised by central ministries and sectors, and they are guided to refer to current regulations. This leads to a time-consuming process.

Additionally, Resolution 98 provides a mechanism for Ho Chi Minh City to mobilize resources. However, BT and BOT projects and PPP forms in the fields of healthcare, education, culture, and sports, despite having approved criteria and a list with a total expected capital mobilization of about USD 1 billion, are yet to have any completed projects.

Chairman Phan Van Mai also mentioned constraints that hinder the realization of Resolution 98. He stated that in the future, specific tasks would be assigned to individuals, such as directors of departments and members of the Standing Committee of the Municipal People’s Committee. Each individual will be responsible for the tasks assigned to them. According to the Chairman, this mechanism of “personalized responsibility” will be effective if clearly implemented.

Need for a vision to adapt and develop

In his concluding remarks, Secretary Nguyen Van Nen shared his deep feelings about the city’s efforts and determination. He recalled that two weeks ago, during a working session with Ho Chi Minh City, the Prime Minister assessed that the implementation of Resolution 98 had achieved very basic and positive initial results, creating a foundation for the rapid, strong, and sustainable development of the city.

The Secretary pointed out that 30 out of 44 mechanisms have been implemented, and most of them have been integrated into people’s lives. They have helped unblock bottlenecks, supported social security, promoted investment attraction, improved the business environment, and attracted human resources. However, compared to the requirements and expectations, the city is still slow and faces limitations, and many tasks are confusing.

The Secretary identified challenges in coordinating actions and noted signs of perfectionism and hesitation in some cases. Additionally, many processes and officials are overloaded and passive. “Our perception, awareness of responsibility, along with our leadership and governance, have sometimes been chaotic,” he assessed.

The Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee stated that the existing shortcomings and limitations must be addressed with a strong determination to take action, as directed by the Prime Minister. With mature thoughts, a clear vision, and the available mechanisms, we must raise our determination, make greater efforts, and take more decisive actions. These actions should be focused and prioritize encouraging and protecting those who dare to think, dare to do, innovate, and break through for the common good. Based on their functions, tasks, and powers, relevant sectors should proactively and actively perform their duties and propose solutions to higher authorities if they exceed their competence. Close coordination is necessary in implementing tasks, with clear assignments of individuals, tasks, timelines, outputs, and outcomes. Strict inspection and supervision should be enforced, along with commendations and strict discipline.

The Secretary requested the Steering Committee to review the regulations and make specific assignments for each field. At the same time, they should reconsider the personnel to have a dedicated person in charge of implementing Resolution 98.

The Secretary emphasized that in the context of complex and unpredictable global and regional developments, Ho Chi Minh City must have a broad vision to make flexible adaptations and take firm steps toward sustainable development. Now, more than ever, each member of the Steering Committee and the entire system must continue to strive, persevere, and take more robust action to achieve the planned results.