Quang Nam improves its "Time Cost" index.

Removing obstacles for businesses is one of the solutions to improve the Time Cost Index. (Illustrative photo by H. Quang)

Time cost index is increasing.

Among the component indicators of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), the time cost component has a complex structure composed of three groups of indicators. These are: the time cost of complying with state regulations; inspections and audits (including the number of working hours with tax inspectors and the number of inspections and audits of all types); and indicators measuring businesses' perceptions of the quality of administrative reform.

The time cost index reflects a business's perception of the time cost aspect, excluding other costs associated with complying with regulations, such as monetary costs to adhere to government regulations. Therefore, the presence of the time cost index is a crucial factor for investors and businesses to consider when making investment decisions.

In 2021, according to the PCI index report published by the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry, Quang Nam province scored 66.24 points, ranking 19th out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide, 4th out of 12 in the Central Coastal Region (after Da Nang , Thua Thien Hue, and Binh Dinh), and belonging to the group of provinces with a fairly good index. Specifically, the Informal Costs Index scored 7.79 points (a decrease of 0.18 points compared to 2020).

In 2022, Quang Nam province achieved 66.62 points (an increase of 0.38 points compared to 2021), ranking 22nd out of 63 provinces and cities (down 3 places compared to 2021), and 6th out of 14 provinces and cities in the Central Coastal Region (after Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ha Tinh , and Binh Dinh), with a Time Cost Index of 7.61 points (down 0.18 points compared to 2021). In 2023, Quang Nam province scored 67.04 points, an increase of 0.42 points compared to 2022.

Quang Nam 's PCI score in 2023 increased, but it is not among the top 30 provinces and cities with the best PCI index nationwide (Quang Nam was in the top 30 in 2022); in particular, the Time Cost Index is 8.1 points (an increase of 0.49 points compared to 2022).

This is the component index with the highest score among the 10 PCI 2023 indicators of Quang Nam province. To improve Quang Nam's PCI and PGI (provincial-level green index) in 2024, according to the Provincial Inspectorate, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive set of solutions to improve the time cost component index.

Solutions need to be synchronized.

Accordingly, inspection agencies in the province need to develop and publicly disclose inspection and audit plans that are focused, targeted, and in accordance with regulations, and input them into the inspection and audit management software (which is already integrated into the citizen reception and complaint/denouncement management software), avoiding duplication and overlap at businesses.

According to Directive No. 20 of the Prime Minister dated May 17, 2017, on rectifying inspection and examination activities for businesses, the inspection and examination of enterprises should not exceed once a year. For specialized inspections, the form of inspection and examination activities should gradually shift from individual teams and separate fields to coordinated inter-agency inspections covering multiple contents and specialized fields.

The provincial inspectorate manages, operates, and effectively utilizes the "Inspection Plan Management" software to avoid overlap and duplication in inspection and examination activities of various units.

This will not only help improve the efficiency and quality of inspection and supervision work, minimize inconvenience and difficulties for businesses, contribute to improving the investment and business environment, enhance the PCI index, and support business development in the province. Businesses are urged to regularly study new regulations and guiding documents to ensure consistent understanding and compliance with the law...

In order to improve the ranking of time-cost indicators in 2024, according to the Provincial Inspectorate, departments, agencies, and localities need to continue to effectively implement the resolutions and directives of the Government; accelerate the process of streamlining administrative procedures, and ensure transparency in operations by strengthening connectivity and interoperability in the application of information technology to resolve administrative procedures online, ensuring safety and speed, and limiting direct contact between citizens and businesses and officials.

In particular, the heads of agencies, units, and localities must directly lead and direct the effective implementation of administrative reform, resolutely handle violations by officials and civil servants, and link the results of administrative reform implementation with emulation, commendation, planning, and promotion of officials; they are responsible to the Provincial People's Committee and the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for the direction and management of administrative reform in agencies, units, and localities. There needs to be a mechanism to remove or dismiss those who fail to complete their tasks, violate discipline, or lose credibility with the people and businesses...

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/quang-nam-cai-thien-chi-so-chi-phi-thoi-gian-3136526.html