Governance and public service efficiency improved but room for reform

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam has organized the announcement of the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index Report 2024 - Photo: VGP/HT

On April 15, in Hanoi , the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam organized the announcement of the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index Report 2024 (PAPI Index 2024) with many remarkable results.

Management efficiency is increasingly improved

First of all, the PAPI 2024 Report notes encouraging progress in areas such as transparency, corruption control, environmental governance and electronics. In fact, three of the eight pillars measured achieved quite high scores according to the assessment of people nationwide. However, the gap between population groups is still worth noting. Because, according to the survey results, women, ethnic minorities, temporary residents and rural residents continue to have lower satisfaction levels than the remaining groups.

With over 47.8 points, Quang Ninh ranked first in the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) in Vietnam in 2024, followed by Tay Ninh 47.3; Binh Thuan 47.1 are the localities in the "top" in terms of governance performance index.

In addition, corruption remains a top concern for citizens, with 22.58% of respondents citing it as a priority for the government to address. However, it should be noted that the proportion of citizens who have to pay informal payments has decreased compared to the previous year, reflecting some progress. Therefore, enhancing transparency, protecting whistleblowers, and strictly enforcing the law are important recommendations from this report.

Not only that, the survey also shows that economic insecurity is the next concern. Although the economy in 2024 has many positive signs such as GDP growth of 7.09%, CPI controlled at 3.63%, up to 10.2% of households still rate their family economic conditions as "poor" or "very poor". Therefore, expanding social insurance, especially for informal workers, ethnic minorities and rural residents, is urgent.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi - UNDP Representative in Vietnam speaking at the report announcement - Photo: VGP/HT

Perfecting the effective 'mirror' in the context of reform

Recent extreme weather events such as Typhoon Yagi and prolonged heatwaves have left nearly 40% of people reporting that their families or communities have been directly affected. Therefore, promoting participatory environmental governance, investing in disaster response infrastructure, and developing solutions appropriate to each region are urgent requirements.

According to Ms. Ramla Khalidi - UNDP Representative in Vietnam, the findings from PAPI 2024 are the basis for more equitable and effective policy making, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“These findings suggest an evidence-based roadmap for improving citizen-centered public governance, ensuring that current and future institutional reforms deliver tangible benefits to all Vietnamese people,” said Ramla Khalidi.

In the context of Vietnam implementing historic public administration reforms, especially the construction of a two-tier government model and the reorganization of provincial administrative units, this is an extremely important opportunity to promote inclusive governance as well as effective and efficient policy implementation to address the challenges that people have reflected through the PAPI Index. Prioritizing improving understanding of digital transformation and investing in upgrading digital infrastructure to implement Resolution No. 57 will contribute to improving people's conditions and access to online public services, thereby narrowing the current digital divide. Effective implementation of the Law on Social Insurance 2024 from July 2025 will create timely opportunities for expanding social insurance coverage, while facilitating access to social insurance for vulnerable groups, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Meanwhile, Ms. Deirdre Ní Fhallúin - Ambassador of Ireland emphasized the importance of expanding social insurance coverage to minimize economic and social risks.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Renée Deschamps - Charge d'Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam said that PAPI is a platform for citizens and the government to dialogue together, aiming for higher service efficiency.

Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics speaking - Photo: VGP/HT

Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics said: With the strong direction of the Party, the proactive and flexible management of the Government, the efforts of the business community and the consensus of the entire people, Vietnam has achieved many outstanding achievements in the socio-economic fields. Vietnam continues to affirm its position as an attractive destination for international investors.

The quality of education, health care and social security has been improved. The multidimensional poverty rate has decreased to about 2.93%, while the universal health insurance rate has reached over 94.2%. The Government continues to promote digital transformation in the public sector, reform administrative procedures and improve the efficiency of public administration. Environmental protection is focused on, policies to promote renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a green economy and a circular economy are strongly implemented. The Party and State of Vietnam are carrying out a revolution to streamline the apparatus, build a streamlined political system that operates efficiently, effectively and effectively. This reform of the apparatus is a historic revolution and certainly has many difficulties and challenges, but this is an inevitable decision to fundamentally change the structure and operation methods of all levels of government.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y: As a mirror reflecting the activities of the government, I suggest that UNDP in Vietnam needs to research, change, and supplement the content of criteria and survey methods to suit the new context. PAPI is not only a measurement tool, but also a catalyst to change the awareness and actions of the public sector, contributing to improving people's satisfaction, helping the government from the central to local levels have a basis to adjust appropriate policies.

"The National Academy of Politics is ready to accompany UNDP in in-depth research, policy advice for localities and spread PAPI results to officials at all levels," said Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y.

The 16th PAPI Index Report captures the opinions of 18,894 randomly selected citizens nationwide. The report provides in-depth analysis of many aspects of governance, public administration and public service delivery in Vietnam. Over the past 16 years, 216,673 citizens nationwide have participated in the assessment. PAPI measures eight dimensions: citizen participation at the grassroots level; transparency in local decision-making; vertical accountability; control of corruption in the public sector; public administrative procedures; public service delivery; environmental governance; and e-governance.

Mr. Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/hieu-qua-quan-tri-va-dich-vu-cong-co-cai-thien-nhung-con-du-dia-cai-cach-102250415123551411.htm