Ho Chi Minh City Leader Calls for Procedure Cuts as More Businesses Exit the Market

Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc has ordered officials to review administrative procedures after noting that more businesses are leaving the market.

Speaking at a meeting on the city’s August economic and social performance and its September tasks, Duoc said the city had maintained positive momentum during the first eight months. Several growth drivers had performed well, budget revenue reached about 78% of target, and public investment disbursement improved to 57.7% of the annual plan.

But private investment disbursement remained slow, while manufacturing, especially exports, faced difficulties. Science and digital transformation also had not developed in line with the city’s potential. Duoc said continued delays could affect overall growth as the city pursues a double-digit expansion target.

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We are determined to achieve double-digit growth and budget revenue above 1 quadrillion Vietnamese dong, creating a firm foundation for Ho Chi Minh City to enter 2027 with new momentum, new drivers and new results.

He asked departments to quickly implement documents related to the Urban Development Law. Measures under consideration include land-tax exemptions for investors in underground space, commercial and service projects, and parking facilities, as well as incentives on land-lease prices. Officials should apply the law to quickly address provisions considered unsuitable, he said.

Duoc linked the growing number of businesses exiting the market to several factors, including administrative procedures. He told the city’s Department of Home Affairs to conduct a comprehensive review and reorganize personnel, including department heads and deputies. He also called for continued administrative reform and procedure cuts to support businesses.

The chairman said the city faced dual demands: completing its 2026 economic and social targets while laying foundations for a new development phase as the two-tier local government model and the Urban Development Law take effect on Oct. 1. He urged officials not to wait, avoid responsibility or leave work unfinished, saying clearly defined tasks should begin immediately and delayed commitments must produce concrete results.

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No waiting, no avoidance, no passing the responsibility, and no letting work remain unfinished for subjective reasons.