Hai Phong determined to eliminate unnecessary licenses
Hai Phong is determined to eliminate unnecessary licenses and arising procedures to strengthen administrative discipline and create more room for growth.
The Hai Phong People’s Committee has issued Official Letter No. 1596 on reviewing and standardizing administrative procedures. The move reflects the city’s timely and decisive action to implement directions from Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra on administrative reform.
Accordingly, the Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee ordered a comprehensive and urgent review and standardization of administrative procedures, resolutely eliminating unnecessary licenses, documents, paperwork and procedures imposed beyond regulations.
The directive demonstrates a determination to strengthen administrative discipline, build a transparent and service-oriented administration, and create a more open environment for residents and businesses. As Hai Phong accelerates its development, removing procedural barriers also means creating more room for growth.
Over the years, Hai Phong has consistently ranked among the country’s leading localities in improving its investment and business environment. Administrative reform has been implemented through comprehensive, decisive and breakthrough measures.
In August 2025, immediately after the two-tier local government system began operating, the Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee issued 12 decisions announcing 1,555 administrative procedures that could be carried out regardless of administrative boundaries. The system of Public Administration Service Centers across the city subsequently began receiving applications under the new model, making it easier for residents and businesses to complete procedures without being restricted by administrative boundaries.
Another important milestone was Decision No. 3606/QD-UBND dated September 3, 2025, on reducing administrative procedure processing time. Accordingly, processing time was cut by at least 50% for 1,680 of 1,907 provincial-level procedures and 269 of 313 commune-level ones. The substantial reduction demonstrates the city’s strong commitment to reform and has significantly reduced the time and costs for residents and businesses to complete procedures.
At the same time, accelerated digitization of records, expanded online public services and greater use of digital data are helping the administrative system operate more efficiently, quickly and effectively.
This provides an important foundation for Hai Phong to continue improving its investment environment and supporting businesses. The city currently has more than 54,000 active businesses. In the first five months of 2026 alone, 4,827 new businesses were established, reaching 64.4% of the annual target. These figures not only reflect the attractiveness of the investment environment but also show that administrative reform has become an important driver of the city’s competitiveness and economic growth.
The freshly-issued direction of the Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee directly addresses the core issues. Departments, agencies and local authorities must comprehensively review administrative procedure processes and resolutely eliminate any documents or paperwork required beyond.
Eliminating unnecessary licenses is not merely about cutting a few procedures; it means removing barriers that hinder development. When all procedures are standardized, data is interconnected, and administrative discipline is strictly enforced, Hai Phong will have greater room to enhance its competitiveness, attract investment, and achieve its goal of rapid and sustainable growth.
BUI HUONG