On Sunday morning, “Words and action”, a TV talk show co-organized by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council and HCMC Television (HTV), captured the attention of viewers as city leaders addressed citizen’s concerns relating to administrative reform.

The monthly TV talk show is broadcast live on HTV9 channel

The monthly program allows members of the public to raise issues with city leaders who then discuss the matters and provide information and solutions.

Though lasting only 2 hours, the show received 110 phone calls and three e-mails from local residents. Most opinions focused on land and housing administrative procedures.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Dang Hung Vo, expressed his concern that there is too much bureaucracy associated with land and housing related documentation.

Director of the HCMC Justice Department, Nguyen Duc Chinh, proposed that there should be less paperwork from relevant authorities to reduce bureaucratic red tape for residents.

He also called for the simplification of regulations pertaining to notarization, making it possible for a citizen to go directly to the people’s committee of their commune for verification of personal documentation.

A local resident reads information about administrative procedures in District 10, HCMC

Most leaders agreed that city-based notary offices should work under the same regulations in order to provide more consistent service. “At present, each notary office has different forms to fill in, which is really time-consuming and troublesome to people”, one of them said.

The establishment of more state offices in the city is not necessary, however, especially when the government is aiming to cut out waste in state organization, said an official from Go Vap District.

Chairman of the HCMC People’s Council, Pham Phuong Thao, told the district directors of notary offices to implement changes as soon as possible.

Sharing the same view, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Thang Van Phuc, said Ho Chi Minh City should pioneer a more streamlined approach as a model for other regions.