The "sweet fruits" of Resolution 98

(NLĐO) - The specific policies brought about by Resolution 98 have gradually helped Ho Chi Minh City overcome many bottlenecks, creating a foundation for sustainable development.

After more than a year of implementing Resolution 98/2023/QH15 of the National Assembly, Ho Chi Minh City has achieved many positive results, opening up important steps in socio -economic development.

Assessing the implementation of Resolution 98, Central Committee member, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, and Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Van Mai, stated that the city has basically and comprehensively implemented Resolution 98 in 2024. The specific mechanisms and policies have been largely concretized.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai said the city will basically and comprehensively implement Resolution 98 in 2024; Photo: Thanh Long

The first result was the establishment of a foundational framework of mechanisms and policies. This first result led to the second result: the initial mobilization of resources, both within and outside the budget.

Thirdly, there's the issue of organizational structure and decentralization of power. Thu Duc City has undergone a very clear transformation, with Resolution 98 playing a significant role in this.

Alongside this is the story of resolving obstacles related to planning and public investment. Especially for Group C and Group B projects, and many other areas such as finance, investment, and urban development, these issues have been effectively addressed through decentralization and delegation of authority.

1. Strong administrative reforms – Promoting digital transformation

One of the most important highlights of Resolution 98 is the breakthrough in administrative management. Ho Chi Minh City has proactively implemented many solutions to streamline the apparatus and improve management efficiency.

This involves establishing the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department, which helps to unify the management of food safety, a field previously under the jurisdiction of various different agencies.

One additional Vice Chairman of the People's Council and one additional Vice Chairman of the People's Committee will be appointed for Thu Duc City; one Vice Chairman of the People's Committee will be appointed for two districts (Can Gio and Hoc Mon), and 51 out of 52 wards, communes, and towns with a population of 50,000 or more will have an additional Vice Chairman of the People's Committee.

Implementing decentralization goes hand in hand with the implementation of administrative reform programs at all levels of government, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the city's state management apparatus, promptly resolving difficulties, creating favorable conditions for business operations, and better serving the needs of organizations and citizens.

In accordance with Resolution 98, the city established the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Center. (In the photo: Civil servants working at the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Center; Photo: Hoang Trieu)

Simultaneously, digital transformation is one of the top priorities. The city has established the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Center.

The policy of applying zero fees to 98 online administrative procedures by the end of 2025, across four groups including civil registration fees; fees for issuing work permits to foreigners in Vietnam; construction permit fees; and business registration fees, helps to reduce the procedural burden for citizens and businesses.

2. Transportation Infrastructure – Strategic Projects Driving Development

Thanks to the special mechanisms outlined in Resolution 98, Ho Chi Minh City has been able to promote many important infrastructure projects.

The Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai expressway project has been approved by the Prime Minister with a total investment of 19,617 billion VND.

50 billion VND in medium-term capital has been allocated for the period 2021-2025 to prepare for 5 BOT projects to upgrade, expand, and modernize existing roads, to be implemented by 2028.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City is also calling for investment in PPP projects in the fields of culture and sports (41 projects); and developing the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) urban model by identifying 7 TOD development locations along Metro Line 1, Metro Line 2, and Ring Road 3.

3. Finance and Budget: Flexible mechanisms to create momentum for development.

Thanks to Resolution 98, Ho Chi Minh City has gained more autonomy in financial management, including:

Additional income was disbursed to officials, civil servants, and public employees totaling 11,287 billion VND.

Allow the District People's Committee to proactively allocate 2-4% of the budget to handle urgent situations, totaling approximately 688.6 billion VND.

Ho Chi Minh City is providing additional income to its officials, civil servants, and public employees, thereby motivating them to work with peace of mind and dedication. (In the photo: Civil servants of Binh Hung Hoa A ward, Binh Tan district, at work; Photo: Hoang Trieu)

4. Innovation and entrepreneurship – Boosts for the economy

Resolution 98 has created new momentum for the startup and innovation ecosystem in Ho Chi Minh City. Some notable results include:

48 applications were submitted for the innovation and startup support program; 21 projects were selected, of which 15 have been allocated funding for implementation.

Ten applications have been submitted to undertake scientific and technological tasks aimed at establishing and developing internationally standardized research centers, thereby promoting scientific research and technological applications.

5. Social security – Improving the quality of life for the people.

Ho Chi Minh City continues to strongly implement social welfare policies through the execution of Resolution 98.

The city allocated 2,796 billion VND in 2023 and an additional 998 billion VND in 2024 for the poverty reduction program. Notably, these expenditures were 100% disbursed, reflecting the effectiveness of financial management and ensuring social welfare in the area.

Approval has been granted for the investment in one project, which will provide approximately 2,000 social housing units to the market.

6. The administrative apparatus of Thu Duc City is gradually stabilizing and becoming more efficient.

In implementing Resolution 98, Thu Duc City has made significant reforms in its administrative apparatus, helping to improve operational efficiency. Some highlights include:

Enhanced decentralization and delegation of authority: Thu Duc City has been granted more autonomy in land management, planning, and public investment. As a result, land clearance and investment attraction have proceeded more quickly.

Thu Duc has stepped up the application of digital technology in handling administrative procedures, helping to reduce the time it takes to process documents.

A more streamlined and efficient organizational structure is being implemented. Adding one Vice Chairman of the People's Committee and one Vice Chairman of the People's Council will help strengthen leadership and supervision capacity.

The implementation of Resolution 98 in Ho Chi Minh City still faces many difficulties and challenges. However, these difficulties and challenges have been identified by the Central Government and Ho Chi Minh City, and are being urgently and actively addressed.

We are confident that in the coming period, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to leverage the policies from Resolution 98, accelerate institutional reforms, remove bottlenecks, and mobilize resources for rapid and sustainable development, meeting the expectations of the people.

As affirmed by the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Phan Van Mai: "In 2024, Resolution 98 has been implemented in a fundamental and comprehensive manner. Certainly, in 2025 and the coming years, the effectiveness of Resolution 98 will be even stronger and more synchronized."

Source: https://nld.com.vn/qua-ngot-tu-nghi-quyet-98-196250129150826513.htm