Socialist Republic of Vietnam

VietNamNet – Vietnam has shown progress in fighting corruption, especially the use of international methodology and consultancy to detect and effectively tackle manifestations of corruption, said World Bank’s Lead Economist in Vietnam Martin Rama.

Vietnam should pursue administrative reform, said WB. The comment was delivered at the press conference announcing the WB’s East Asia Update report in Hanoi on April 20.

Mr Rama said that the Vietnamese Government has made positive moves in fighting corruption, which have gradually become sound and sustainable policies.

He quoted an example that in the draft Inspection Law, currently under consideration of the National Assembly, there is an article that allows only one body to inspect the operations of enterprises to avoid overlap in inspecting businesses, especially private ones. The Government also requires the State Inspection body to have a transparent strategy, and has called for support from the international community in this area.

According to Mr Rama, the financial management reform project implemented by the Ministry of Finance is also further evidence of efforts to fighting corruption. Through this project, the country’s system of financial institutions will operate in a more transparent environment, which will help diminish corruption in this sensitive field. The customs sector, one of the “doors” of corruption is also being reformed toward modernisation, transparency and reduction of administrative formalities, he said.

The WB Lead Economist emphasised the importance of administrative reform, which is being implemented strongly throughout the country. Localities and administrative bodies in Vietnam are making great efforts in applying the ‘’one-stop’’ mechanism, which will also help diminish corruption, he added, saying that HCM City’s provision of online business registration service as evidence. He also presented further proof of Vietnam’s determination to fight corruption, the regulations on asset declaration by candidates running for the forthcoming People’s Council elections.

Talking about the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s cancellation of disbursing for Vietnam’s growth and poverty reduction project, WB experts said that this would not influence matters greatly. An important thing is the country should pursue reform policies and its commitments to the international community.