Administrative Reform in Vietnam: Need and Strategy

Abstract

This article discusses the need for, and strategies of, developing a sound system of administration in Vietnam. It adopts a concept of administrative reform as the induced systemic improvement of public sector operational performance The paper examines the limitations and weaknesses of the present system of public administration from three perspectives: organisation; institution; and human resource. A strategy of reform is developed with a focus on the three abovementioned dimensions. The main instruments of the reform are decentralisation, privatisation, contracting out, overhauling the existing legal system, enacting new laws and regulations, and training public servants. The potential difficulties of implementation are also analysed.