Under Government Decree No. 146/2025/ND-CP, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has decentralized 47 out of 87 tasks, accounting for 54 per cent of import-export management duties, to local authorities.
Notably, among these 47 decentralized tasks, there are 60 administrative procedures, including 36 related to goods origin certification (C/O issuance authority), which requires deep understanding of foreign trade laws, commerce regulations, and international commitments.
However, at a recent seminar titled "Implementing Decentralization and Delegation in the Industry and Trade Sector: Comprehensive Solutions - Accompanying - Effective," Ms. Tran Thanh Binh, Head of Department of Origin of Goods, Import-Export Department, under the MoIT, acknowledged that decentralizing a highly specialized field like import-export in a short time poses many challenges for local authorities.
In the initial phase, almost all localities encountered obstacles in the import-export field. The first challenge is the completion of the legal framework. The next challenge is the difficulty in human resources. Another challenge is digital infrastructure.
To address these challenges and support localities in accessing and implementing such a specialized field in a short time, the Import-Export Department has implemented three comprehensive solutions.
The first is to promptly send guidance documents to the Provincial People's Committees, local Departments of Industry and Trade, and other functional units at the local level;
The second is to organize conferences and seminars in three regions (North, Central, South) so that localities can participate fully and conveniently.
The third is to organize direct working sessions in cities and provinces such as Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Dien Bien... depending on the specific needs of the locality.
Despite the difficulties, Ms. Binh affirmed that there are no barriers between the central and local levels. Recognizing decentralization as a "long-term story" with many arising issues, the Import-Export Department commits to accompany localities.
In the future, the Department will focus on completing mechanisms and policies. Especially in the context of constantly changing and unpredictable international trade, the Department will provide specific guidance for each application, ensuring compliance with Vietnamese law, international commitments, and creating the most favorable conditions for business development.
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