The industry and trade sector aims for a modern administration

Dong Nai province is undergoing a major transformation across all fronts, with administrative procedure reform emerging as a key highlight that helps improve the investment, production, and business environment. In this effort, the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade is taking the lead with a modern, innovative, and breakthrough-driven approach.

Residents carry out online administrative procedures in the field of industry and trade at the Public Administration Service Center in Ho Nai ward, Dong Nai province. Photo: Hai Quan

Administrative procedure reform is not only an intrinsic requirement in the process of building a rule-of-law State but also an inevitable demand arising from socio-economic development. In the flow of integration and competition, any delay or procedural barrier can become a “bottleneck” for the local economy.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, in the near future, the department will regularly coordinate with the Provincial People’s Committee Office, the Department of Science and Technology, and relevant telecommunications units to review and standardize the entire process of administrative procedures in the industry and trade sector on the National Public Service Portal and the Provincial Administrative Procedure Information System. This undertaking aims to facilitate residents and businesses in carrying out administrative procedures within the fields of industry and trade.

Administrative reform puts service at its core

The Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade has firmly established its guiding principle: reform cannot wait or lag since it must be proactive and take the lead. The mindset of “management takes the lead – service at the core” has become a compass for the department, enabling it to make breakthroughs in the shift from traditional administration to digital governance, with residents and businesses placed at the heart of its services.

In 2024, the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade was ranked at the top of the Department & District Competitiveness Index (DDCI) at the department, board, and sector level. This outstanding result reflects the department’s efforts in promoting administrative procedure reform. Behind this top ranking lies a comprehensive transformation in processes, technology, and human resources.

A notable example is the department’s push to provide high-level online public services, especially in “hot” areas such as production licensing, conditional business registration, promotion notifications, and confirmation of goods’ origin. Instead of visiting in person, businesses can now submit documents, check status, and receive results with just a few clicks on a phone or computer.

Nguyen Thi Minh Hoa, Chief of Administration at AK Vina Co., Ltd. in Phuoc Thai Commune, Dong Nai Province, shared: “In the past, I had to visit the department multiple times to complete the licensing procedures for production eligibility. It was time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Now, everything is handled online as submitting an application takes less than 10 minutes, and the results are returned within just a few days. This endeavor is truly ‘administration in service of the people’.”

Not only Hoa, but thousands of other businesses are also benefiting from the vigorous administrative reform process, saving time and costs while enhancing transparency and trust in public agencies.

Proactively applying and innovating technology

A highlight of the reform strategy at the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade is that it goes beyond merely digitizing traditional processes. The department has taken the lead in applying new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) for document processing, 24/7 automated chatbots for consultation, and an open data system interconnected with other sectors.

The department has linked the administrative procedure resolution information systems at both the ministry and provincial levels with other information systems and databases. Its official website, http://sct.dongnai.gov.vn, is an independent electronic portal integrated into the provincial electronic information gateway, ensuring timely, comprehensive, and effective information provision.

In addition, the Department of Industry and Trade conducts annual maintenance while continuing to operate and utilize the industry and trade database system at http://dlct.dongnai.gov.vn. This system organizes sector information, ensuring that data is available to support leadership decision-making at all levels, as well as the research and information exchange needs of organizations and individuals interested in the province’s industry and trade activities.

Notably, the department regularly reviews, revises, and simplifies administrative procedures to suit practical conditions and promotes the application of information technology in administrative reform. These efforts help remove procedural barriers and provide tangible benefits for individuals, organizations, and businesses across the province.

Le Dung Hanh, an officer at the Department’s Reception and Results Delivery Division, said: “We always measure reform by the satisfaction of residents and businesses. Thanks to technology applications, many types of dossiers are now processed 40-60% faster than before. The system also quickly detects and handles errors, reducing paperwork and cumbersome procedures”.

This undertaking is a necessary step toward a “borderless” digital administration, especially as Dong Nai Province has officially expanded its development space following the administrative merger with the former Binh Phuoc province. Being prepared in terms of institutions, digital infrastructure, and staff will enable the province’s industry and trade sector to adapt quickly and serve residents and businesses effectively in the new context.

Importantly, administrative reform at the Department of Industry and Trade is no longer just a slogan or a trend-driven program. These changes are tangible, affecting every dossier, every line of data, and every click. Each step is helping to build a modern, transparent, and people-friendly administration.

Dang Thi Bich Loan, Director of Mekong Logistics Co., Ltd., Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park (Dong Nai province), said: “We are very impressed with how the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade partners with businesses. In addition to shortening document processing times, they regularly seek feedback, organize dialogues, and help resolve difficulties for enterprises. The feeling of being served and heard is very clear”.

In the context of global integration and competition, administrative procedure reform is not merely an “administrative task” but a core driver for attracting investment, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting sustainable development.

Pham Van Cuong, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade, stated: “Although we have achieved many positive results, we continue to strive for innovation, improving the specialized digital data warehouse, training digital staff, expanding platform integration, and moving toward providing intelligent, personalized public services for each target group”.

By: Hien Vuong - Hai Quan