The procedure is still cumbersome

In recent times, the Provincial Business Association has continuously received feedback and recommendations from businesses regarding proposals or recommendations to some departments and branches that have responded very slowly or have only been forwarded to higher levels without being resolved according to their authority. Some places have even left their files “hanging” without a clear reason, causing frustration and forcing many businesses to “call for help” to authorities at all levels.

One of the prominent issues that many businesses have reported is the delay in handling investment procedures. Businesses have completed all documents, but when working with the authorities, they are asked to supplement the documents many times without being given a clear explanation. No one dares to sign and approve, the documents are just transferred around between departments, causing the process to be prolonged, and businesses lose the opportunity to expand production. Na Hang Eco-Tourism Joint Stock Company said it had completed investment procedures, but the documents transferred to land procedures were suspended for more than a year because professional staff were afraid of responsibility and did not dare to sign. This delay caused the project to be behind schedule, and discouraged investors.

Manufactured at Tuyen Quang Iron and Steel Company Limited.

The province's small and medium-sized enterprise support program has many preferential policies, but during the implementation process, many enterprises complained that they encountered many barriers from the authorities themselves because officials did not proactively guide and support them fully, many enterprises had to learn about the policies themselves or completely abandon them. This reduced the effectiveness of the policies and did not promote the potential of the business community.

The outstanding debt in payment for completed projects is also a problem that causes many businesses a headache. According to the Association's report, there are projects that have been accepted and put into use for many years, but the settlement and payment have not been completed, putting businesses in a difficult financial situation. A typical example is the project to level the internal road field and the internal canal of Kim Phu field. Businesses completed this project from 2004 to 2006, that is, nearly 20 years, but up to now, the investor has not yet completed the legal documents such as drawings and estimates to sign official contracts with contractors. This prolonged situation has caused businesses not only to not receive payment but also to face many legal risks.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thap, Chairman of the Business Association, said: The fact that documents are "soaked" for too long, administrative procedures are cumbersome and the indecision of officials makes businesses spend more time and money to complete legal procedures. This reduces investment efficiency and affects the competitiveness of businesses. When facing difficulties and problems that are not resolved promptly, businesses will feel discouraged and lose confidence in the support of local authorities. This not only affects future investment decisions but also negatively impacts the general investment environment of the province.

The situation of shirking responsibility does not only occur in the investment sector but also spreads to many other sectors, including the implementation of important socio-economic development projects of the province. Delays in site clearance, land procedure approval and other related issues have caused many infrastructure projects, industrial parks and eco-tourism areas to stagnate or be behind schedule, affecting the overall development goals of the province.

If you don't do it, stand aside.

Comrade Nguyen Manh Tuan, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee frankly stated: The cause of these shortcomings is that the leadership, direction and management of some Party committees and authorities are not proactive, close, creative, flexible and decisive. Some leaders and managers still show signs of shirking and avoiding responsibility. The coordination between sectors, levels and localities is not tight, especially in the process of coordinating to participate in the appraisal of investment policies for non-budgetary projects, many agencies and units are slow to give their opinions on approving or not approving investment policies for investors, leading to a long time for investors to carry out procedures.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thap also said: Many officials are afraid of making mistakes and being responsible, especially in the context of increasingly strengthened inspection and examination work; making decisions and signing and approving documents can lead to legal risks, being disciplined or even prosecuted if mistakes occur. When problems arise, officials often tend to push responsibility to their superiors to avoid personal risks. This not only delays the process of resolving work but also creates a stagnant and inactive administrative apparatus.

At the meetings of the Provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Son always emphasized the message: Whoever does not do it, stand aside. That is a resolute and clear message in the process of directing and operating work, especially for cadres who are still afraid of difficulties, afraid of making mistakes, shirking responsibility, and working half-heartedly. This message not only demonstrates the determination to build a dynamic, disciplined, and effective administrative apparatus, but also a message to all cadres and civil servants in the government system: If you are not capable enough, do not dare to take responsibility, do not dare to act for the common good, then give way to someone more worthy, with a spirit of dedication, dare to think, dare to do. The administrative apparatus cannot operate effectively if each link inside is slow and stagnant. In the context of the province promoting administrative reform, attracting investment, and promoting socio-economic development, it is impossible to let a group of conservative and passive cadres slow down the common progress.

It can be said that the situation of officials avoiding responsibility is a burning issue, requiring the drastic participation of the entire political system. Correcting this situation is not only an urgent requirement but also a key factor determining the sustainable development of the province. With strong messages and specific solutions, the provincial government is demonstrating its strong determination in building a creative, honest administrative apparatus that best serves the people and businesses. However, to achieve this goal, it is necessary to have the consensus and joint efforts of the entire team of officials and civil servants and close supervision of the people and businesses.

(to be continued)