Bac Ninh: Reforming inspection io improve the business environment

As Vietnam enters a new phase of institutional reform, strengthening administrative discipline, transparency, and efficiency in governance has become more essential than ever.

The Bắc Ninh Inspectorate has established itself as a key player in detecting, preventing, and addressing violations, helping to improve the effectiveness of local governance. These efforts are shaping a fair, transparent, and efficient investment climate.

Support, Not Obstruction, for Businesses

Following government directives on enhancing administrative discipline and fighting corruption, the Bắc Ninh Inspectorate has conducted targeted administrative and sectoral inspections. These focus on high-risk areas such as public investment, land management, finances, and public institutions. Inspections are aligned with actual needs and conducted per schedule.

The agency has uncovered various violations and proposed corrective measures to eliminate procedural inefficiencies, all aimed at building a service-oriented administration that partners with businesses.

Shifting from a punitive mindset to a preventive and supportive approach, Bắc Ninh's inspection bodies have reduced disruption to business operations. They also ensure that inspections are coordinated to avoid overlap between agencies.

Importantly, the Inspectorate has improved complaint handling and citizen reception, contributing to resolving long-standing, complex cases. Public feedback on bureaucratic harassment is addressed swiftly, restoring public trust in local authorities.

Over 10 years of enforcing the Law on Citizen Reception, Bắc Ninh conducted 254 inspections, assessing responsibilities of heads of 300 state agencies. These reviews identified gaps, required corrective actions, and recommended disciplinary measures for 120 organizations and 402 individuals.

Task forces were also established to resolve business obstacles. These teams compile lists of delayed projects, regulatory conflicts, and propose solutions to the provincial leadership.

In coordination with the Provincial Party Committee's Internal Affairs Commission, Bắc Ninh issued plans to resolve complex, long-standing complaints, as directed by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm.

To streamline operations, the province finalized its proposal to restructure inspection agencies. It also launched a new plan to address inefficient or misused public properties and mandated inspections to hold relevant parties accountable.

Adjustments were also made to the 2025 inspection plan, combining both planned and surprise inspections per legal requirements.

Toward Modern, Business-Friendly Inspections

In recent years, Bắc Ninh has modernized its inspection methods—becoming more transparent and aligned with real-world needs. This has led to the detection of financial and land mismanagement issues, helping recover tens of billions of VND annually.

Amid digital transformation, the Inspectorate has leveraged IT tools for case tracking and process automation. Inspection management software and online monitoring systems have improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency—enhancing inspector capacity and reducing procedural errors.

Looking ahead, Bắc Ninh will continue strengthening its inspection team, innovating procedures, and enforcing administrative discipline. These efforts support a transparent and service-oriented government.

Experts note that increased transparency and reduced legal risks are vital for attracting and retaining investment.

Bắc Ninh’s inspection reforms not only maintain order but also build trust with businesses. The province's business climate is visibly improving.

With the motto “Government that serves, inspectors that accompany,” Bắc Ninh is positioning itself as a safe, reliable destination for investors.

According to the 2024 Provincial Anti-Corruption Assessment Index, Bắc Ninh scored 87.49/100—demonstrating strong preventive and enforcement efforts.

In the 2024 DDCI rankings (competitiveness at departmental and local levels), the Provincial Inspectorate ranked 3rd. Bắc Ninh’s 2024 PCI informal cost sub-index was 6.58, a drop of 0.21 points.