Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Maritime Administration (Vinamarine) has focused onadministrative reform as part of efforts in international integration.

According to head of Vinamarine Nguyen Xuan Sang, since July 2018, theadministration has expanded the national one-stop shop mechanism towards 11administrative procedures at 25 seaports.

As from July 1, 2018, 28,171 dossiers had been approved online, accounting for87 percent of submitted files, he said, adding that procedures for vessels havebeen conducted in line with the 1965 Convention on Facilitation of InternationalMaritime Traffic (FAL65).

In many seaports, time for procedures to be carried out has been cut from sixhours to only half an hour, Sang noted.

Addressing a conference last month, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said hisministry has been applauded by the Government for its efforts in administrativereform in 2018.

Nguyen Tuong, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Logistics BusinessAssociation, said 19 percent more cargo was handled through seaports last yearthanks to administrative reform.

Economists said open procedures will help increase the amount of cargo passingthrough seaports, ease pressure on the road system, raise State budgetcollection and spur development.

Phan Phung Hai, Director of Vinamarine’s chapter in the central province ofQuang Tri, said his unit has transparently carried out administrativeprocedures, publicised hotlines and assigned tasks for leaders of relevantagencies.

Many businesses said reforms have helped them save costs on ship rental, seaportservices and labour.

Regarding plans for 2019, Sang said the administration will continue to reviewall administrative procedures and implement coordination mechanisms with Statemanagement agencies, thus creating a favourable environment for business,people and manages in the sector.

At the same time, the administration will step up the application ofinformation-technology and use achievements of the fourth Industrial Revolutionin management, he said.-VNA