Dialogue for shared development

Since the implementation of the two-tier local government model, dialogue between the government and citizens, businesses, and all segments of society in Dong Nai City has become more frequent while also improving in both form and effectiveness.

Dang Tuong Khanh, Director of Ca Cao Trong Duc Co., Ltd., speaks at the 2026 dialogue conference between leaders of the Dong Nai City People's Committee and farmers

From grassroots meetings to thematic conferences, dialogue has become an important channel for addressing difficulties, refining policies, and building social consensus for development.

Listening at the grassroots level

Morning coffee or tea sessions at commune and ward People's Committee headquarters are gradually becoming a familiar sight in many localities across the city.

Through the "Morning with the People" model, leaders of communes and wards devote approximately the first hour of each workday to meeting directly with citizens, listening to their concerns and recommendations, and addressing practical concerns. By removing the barriers created by paperwork and overly formal meetings, issues related to land, the environment, traffic, administrative procedures, and public order are discussed openly at the beginning of the workday.

Following the implementation of the two-tier local government model, many responsibilities were transferred to the commune level, significantly increasing the workload. In this context, the "Morning with the People" model has become a rapid information channel, enabling local leaders to promptly understand local conditions, address emerging grassroots issues, and reduce the backlog of petitions and complaints. More importantly, the model is gradually fostering a people-centered and proactive approach to public service.

Beyond the grassroots level, dialogue activities during the first six months of 2026 were expanded to various groups through practical topics, contributing to the timely resolution of difficulties and the refinement of policies.

In March 2026, nearly 600 businesses attended a dialogue conference organized by the Dong Nai Tax Department to discuss tax policies, tax finalization, and challenges in production and business activities. Dozens of questions were answered directly, while many recommendations were accepted on the spot, helping reduce compliance costs and create favorable conditions for businesses.

Subsequently, more than 160 businesses participated in a dialogue conference on occupational safety and health. Issues concerning periodic health checkups, occupational safety training, workplace accident benefits, and employer responsibilities were discussed, with departments and agencies providing specific guidance.

In the agricultural sector, nearly 300 farmers attended the 2026 dialogue conference between leaders of the Dong Nai City People's Committee and farmers. Discussions focused on the application of science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, production linkages, value chain development, and the building of agricultural product brands. Acknowledging the farmers' feedback, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Member of the Standing Board of the Dong Nai City Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee, requested departments and agencies to continue reforming administrative procedures in a practical manner to promptly address difficulties facing farmers and businesses. At the same time, he called for promoting the application of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in agricultural development.

The City People's Committee also issued a plan to organize dialogues in 2026 between chairpersons of People's Committees at all levels and young people under the theme, "Youth of the Young City of Dong Nai: Pioneering, Creating, and Acting for a Civilized and Modern Urban Area." The program aims to provide a forum for young people to contribute ideas while continuing to refine mechanisms and policies for developing young human resources in the new phase.

Building consensus and improving governance efficiency

Alongside thematic dialogues that contribute to refining mechanisms and policies, many localities have also used dialogue as an important solution for building consensus before implementing construction works and projects.

A recent example is the dialogue between the Trang Dai Ward People's Committee and nearly 300 households affected by the Nguyen Thai Hoc Street upgrade and expansion project. The road had deteriorated after years of use and was frequently flooded, affecting residents' daily lives and business activities.

Rather than simply announcing the policy, ward leaders held an evening dialogue to encourage broad public participation. Residents directly listened to the consulting unit present the design plan and construction schedule and had their questions answered. During the dialogue, many households expressed their support and willingness to donate land without requesting compensation to help ensure the project could be implemented as soon as possible.

Addressing residents' concerns, Le Kim Huong, Chairman of the Trang Dai Ward People's Committee, pledged that the locality would review every affected case and develop appropriate support plans for households facing difficulties. He also requested the construction unit to implement the project in a phased, rolling manner to minimize dust, maintain traffic flow, and reduce disruption to residents' business activities. The locality also set a target to commence construction in early August 2026 and complete the project before the 2027 Lunar New Year.

Notably, residents' consensus was achieved through a process of open and transparent dialogue and shared responsibility between the government and the people. When citizens are fully informed, have their concerns addressed, and participate by giving feedback from the outset, project implementation proceeds more smoothly, creating a foundation for mobilizing public support for infrastructure development.

In addition, leaders of the Dong Nai City People's Committee continue to hold regular citizen reception sessions to promptly address emerging issues. In late June 2026, Le Truong Son, Member of the Standing Board of the City Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee, chaired a regular reception and dialogue with citizens. The feedback primarily concerned compensation, site clearance and resettlement, as well as the recovery of encroached land and forest areas for implementing socio-economic development projects. After listening to the opinions, leaders of departments, agencies, and localities directly explained and clarified issues within their authority. At the same time, the Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee directed that the matters continue to be reviewed and resolved in accordance with the law.

The experience from the first six months of 2026 demonstrates that when citizens are listened to, businesses receive support, and grassroots recommendations are addressed promptly, dialogue can evolve from a channel for receiving feedback into an effective instrument of governance and public administration. This also provides an important foundation for Dong Nai to strengthen social trust, mobilize public support, and build consensus in pursuing the city's development goals.

By Ho Thao - Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha