International experiences in regulatory and institutional reforms and their applications in Vietnam were topics of discussion at a seminar in Hanoi on May 28.

According to international consultant Karen Hill, former Head of the UK Prime Minister Office’s Regulatory Reform Department, regulations may have both positive and negative effects and the latter will restrict the economy’s competitiveness and growth, and cut down employment.

The UK Government has focused on regulatory reform over the past 30 years, considering it the primary task, she stressed.

She expressed her surprise at the results of the administrative reform scheme that Vietnam has achieved in a short time.

The country’s national database system of administrative procedures and its target to cut down 30 percent of administrative expenses are impressive, she said, noting that European nations have only started to slash 25 percent of such expense burden.

She suggested that Vietnam improve its institutional system, simplify regulations, monitor and assess the impacts of such changes on people and businesses.

According to Minister-Director of the Governmental Office Nguyen Xuan Phuc, in the second half of this year, 24 ministries and branches and 63 provinces and cities will review more than 5,500 administrative procedures to cut down at least 30 percent of administrative costs, thus saving 30 trillion VND for people and businesses each year./.