A total of 47 tasks have been delegated to local authorities, covering 60 administrative procedures—36 of which are related to the certification of goods origin. However, transferring such a highly specialized field like import–export management to local jurisdictions within a short time frame presents significant challenges.

According to Government Decree No. 146/2025/NĐ-CP, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has decentralized 47 out of 87 tasks—accounting for 54% of its import–export management functions—to provincial authorities.

At a recent seminar titled “Implementing Decentralization and Delegation in the Industry and Trade Sector: Synchronized, Supportive, and Effective Solutions,” Ms. Tran Thanh Binh, Head of the Rules of Origin Division under the Import–Export Department, MoIT, described this as a “very large workload” and “a remarkably high figure.”

Challenges in Human Resources Capacity

Among the 47 delegated tasks, there are 60 administrative procedures—36 of which fall under the field of goods origin, an area known for its complexity and technical depth, requiring a deep understanding of foreign trade law, international agreements, and related regulations.

The decentralization effort has been highly appreciated, especially given the time-sensitive nature of origin certification procedures, where the processing time is limited to six hours for online applications and eight hours for paper-based submissions.

“The decentralization of import–export activities to local authorities not only supports businesses but also helps local governments better understand the characteristics and operations of local traders. This enhances local management roles and allows provinces to serve as the Ministry’s ‘extended arm’ in proposing solutions, mechanisms, and policies that promote sustainable export growth,” Ms. Binh emphasized.

She added that the move aims to help traders save time and travel costs while reducing administrative burdens. Yet, the delegation of such a specialized sector has not been without challenges. “Even our department has encountered certain difficulties, and local authorities—who are the receiving units—are facing even greater confusion,” she admitted.

In the initial stage, almost all provinces have encountered obstacles in implementing import–export functions.

The first challenge lies in establishing the legal framework. When responsibilities are assigned to provincial People’s Committees—particularly regarding rules of origin—local authorities must develop a legal foundation to delegate or authorize specific agencies to issue Certificates of Origin (C/O).

As of now, 18 out of 34 provinces’ Departments of Industry and Trade have been assigned or authorized to handle origin-related tasks. This means that more than 10 provinces still need to complete legal procedures.

Another major obstacle is human resources. Import–export is a field that requires expertise in international cooperation, foreign trade, and logistics operations—along with high language proficiency. Arranging qualified personnel at the local level, especially in merged provinces, remains a significant challenge.

In addition, digital infrastructure presents another hurdle. With 36 administrative procedures fully implemented through electronic systems, local authorities must develop adequate digital infrastructure to support both enterprises and approving officers.

Improving Policy Frameworks and Ensuring Comprehensive Support

To assist local authorities in managing this complex sector within a short transition period, the Import–Export Department has introduced three key support measures:

First, official guidance documents have been promptly issued from the Ministry to provincial People’s Committees, and from the Department to provincial Industry and Trade Offices and local functional agencies, starting from July 1—the date Decree 146 took effect.

Second, the Department has organized regional conferences and workshops in the North, Central, and South to facilitate full and convenient participation. Specialized three-day training sessions have also been held (for example, in Tay Ninh), focusing on officials authorized to sign or verify documents to enhance their understanding of rules-of-origin procedures.

Third, direct working sessions have been conducted in provinces such as Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Hanoi, and Dien Bien, based on specific local needs. In addition, the Department has established Zalo and Viber groups to immediately address questions and resolve issues as provinces begin implementing C/O issuance and related activities.

Despite existing challenges, Ms. Binh affirmed that there is no barrier between central and local levels. She cited Lang Son and Hai Phong as examples—two provinces that began issuing C/Os as early as September 1, becoming the first in the country to do so. Thanks to continuous effort, after four months of implementation, localities have “gradually caught up with the rhythm” and are now performing “fairly evenly and effectively.”

Acknowledging that decentralization is a “long-term process” with potential issues ahead, the Import–Export Department pledged to continue accompanying local authorities.

In the near future, the Department will focus on improving mechanisms and policies. Specifically, it is drafting a new Decree to replace Decree No. 69/2018/NĐ-CP on foreign trade management, which has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for review. The new draft will provide clearer guidance on import–export operations and inter-ministerial consultation processes, helping localities handle dossiers with greater confidence.

Alongside policy completion, the Ministry will continue to support localities in both technical and human resource aspects. In the context of rapidly evolving global trade, the Department will issue case-by-case guidance to ensure consistency with Vietnamese law and international commitments, while facilitating optimal conditions for business growth.

Ms. Binh concluded, “This strong decentralization is not merely an administrative transfer—it represents a shift toward empowering and enhancing the capacity of local authorities, laying the groundwork for sustainable export development in the years ahead.”

Source: VnEconomy