The Ministry of Industry and Trade (Kemenperin-Perdagangan) has taken a strategic step at the beginning of 2026 by establishing the Steering Committee for the Development of Public Service Culture. This initiative marks a strong commitment to bringing about a more professional, innovative, and business-oriented bureaucracy, which is viewed as a crucial "soft infrastructure" for national economic growth.
The business community, especially the logistics sector, welcomed this policy. Tran Chi Dung, a representative of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, emphasized that a change in work culture from a rigid administrative approach to a collaborative mindset is highly anticipated. According to him, the bureaucracy must stop acting merely as a permit issuer, but instead transform into a proactive partner in providing solutions for industry players.
Operational efficiency is a crucial point in this transformation. By leveraging digital technology and automation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is encouraged to simplify procedures based on real data. This step is expected to cut waiting times, reduce compliance costs, and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically hindered the smooth flow of the global supply chain.
In addition to internal process improvements, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been proposed to accelerate the validation of permit applications. If the system can automatically perform initial checks, businesses can make corrections faster before entering the final approval stage. Data synergy between agencies is also key to creating a transparent and efficient business ecosystem, where businesses with a good compliance track record can gain access to a "green lane" or simplified procedures.
Furthermore, business associations expressed their readiness to act as strategic partners for the government. Through ongoing two-way dialogue, the logistics sector is committed to continuing to provide data-driven feedback to ensure that every policy adopted by the government remains relevant to the dynamics of the evolving international market.
