The number of civil servants at the district level has been reduced by 706 out of 2,411, while the number of cadres and civil servants at the commune level has been cut by 9,694 out of 20,403 under the program on district and commune mergers.

Institutional reform is facing difficulties because the power of ministries, State agencies and local authorities is too great. Proposals to cut off privileges and the "ask-give" mechanism are not welcome by many people who benefit. 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's government has inherited many legacies, but also faces many challenges, especially in institutional reform, to realize the aspirations of taking the country to new heights of development.

Institutional reform and improving the business environment reflect the Government's enduring determination over the years, benefiting people and businesses.

The latest report about the Vietnam macroeconomy released by the Central Institute of Economic Management (CIEM) shows that macroeconomic indicators are relatively good.

 The Danish Ambassador to Vietnam, John Nielsen, has called for Vietnam to speed up institutional reform to make full use of the free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU).

 The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) is tasked to submit two new laws to the National Assembly in 2015, a move sparked by the requirement to speed up institutional reform to further improve the country’s investment and business environment.

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 VietNamNet Bridge – Institutional reform is now an urgent need for Vietnam to overcome the current critical situation, said economists and corporate leaders at a conference held in Hanoi last Thursday.