Danang strives to cut red tape

To remove all these obstacles, Danang’s city authority has held a series of meetings with the business community to hear their opinions. Among the solutions, eradicating red-tape is a top priority.

While the city may have topped the Provincial Competitiveness Index several times, the central coastal city of Danang is still grabbling with bureaucracy. During their dialogue with business community, the city’s leadership have agreed that red tape is the first and foremost obstacle to be resolved.

"We’re resolute about removing all obstacles to business. We’ll impose strict punishments on local government staff who demands businesses", said Nguyen Xuan Anh - Secretary of Da Nang Party Committee.

Meetings like these are a golden opportunity for businesses to express their concerns. However, businesses are keen for these meeting to become more regular.

"There should be more of such meetings. And they should be straight to the point. We need to deliver business concerns to the city leaders. Though these channels, the leaders can hear our voices and look at resolving the problems", said Huynh Tan Vinh - Chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association.

"There should be functional agency which is responsible for resolving business concerns and giving support. The agency should also assess the level of support the authorities provide for businesses", said Le Thi Nam Phuong - Vice Chairwoman of Da Nang Young Entrepreneur Association.

Businesses think the meetings should take place more often as there are clearly problems facing businesses.

"The meetings should be held on a monthly basis to discuss problems that businesses encounter.  The meeting should gather opinions that can be submitted to the city leaders for solutions", said Huynh Duc Tho - Chairman of Da Nang City People’s Committee.

Long-term solutions are needed to help the business environment and a firm commitment by the city’s leaders to work with the business community is necessary to improve Danang’s competitiveness.