The speed of administrative processing, data openness alongside  governance transparency have become critical indicators of competitiveness. Recognising this, Dak Lak is accelerating administrative reform coupled with digital transformation (DX) to foster a more business-friendly investment and generate novel momentum for economic growth.

The application of digital technologies in public administration is helping standardise procedures, reduce intermediary steps, shorten processing times and provide greater convenience for both citizens coupled with enterprises.

The effectiveness of these reforms is reflected in the provincial encouraging economic performance. During the first half of 2026, a total of 1,991 new enterprises were established across the province, up 34.5% year-on-year. The province also approved investment policy decisions and granted investment registration certificates to 18 projects with combined registered capital of nearly 7,671 billion VND, while adjusting investment policies for 33 projects. Notably, at the 2026 Provincial Planning Announcement and Investment Promotion Conference, Dak Lak unveiled a portfolio of 257 projects calling for investment, with total estimated capital exceeding 1 quadrillion VND.

Staff of the Enterprise Management Division under the Department of Finance processing online business registration applications.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hien, Deputy Head of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Park Management Board, said that shorter processing times for administrative procedures (Aps) have enabled enterprises to save considerable time alongside operating costs, creating more favourable conditions for implementing investment projects in Dak Lak. Moreover, the proactive approach adopted by local authorities in licensing, accompanying investors and promptly addressing difficulties has reinforced business confidence while encouraging long-term investment.

As one of the frontline sectors serving citizens together with enterprises, the tax sector has proactively reviewed its APs and decisively reduced processing times by at least 50% for all procedures under its authority. Comrade Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Dak Lak Tax Department, said the sector is accelerating IT applications in tax administration to streamline APs as well as enhance transparency. Electronic invoices, e-tax refunds together with other digital services have been rolled out in a coordinated manner, enabling enterprises to fully exercise their rights and fulfil their obligations.

Dak Lak considers digital infrastructure a fundamental prerequisite for building a modern public administration. IT infrastructure has recently been strengthened at all administrative levels, from communes along with wards to the provincial level, gradually meeting the requirements of DX. Among these efforts, the Provincial Data Centre marks a significant milestone. According to comrade Bui Thanh Toan, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, the Centre stores combined with integrates systems and applications supporting the provincial DX process. Simultaneously, the province is implementing several major technology initiatives, including a virtual assistant for civil servants, GeoAI applications in land management together with the development of an open data portal serving citizens and enterprises.

Provincial leaders visiting technology exhibition at the Dak Lak Provincial Planning Announcement and Investment Promotion Conference.

While DX represents a long-term solution, the "green lane" mechanism for processing investment procedures is expected to deliver breakthrough outcomes in the short alongside medium term. Under this mechanism, the processing time for procedures, from investment policy approval and adjustment to the issuance of investment registration certificates, will be reduced by up to 50% compared with existing regulations. Priority will be given to strategic growth projects, including industrial park together with industrial cluster infrastructure, logistics centres, inland container depots, energy, housing, and projects with investment valued at 800 billion VND or more.

The proactive and determined actions of the provincial authorities have reinforced investor confidence, laying a solid foundation for attracting large-scale projects with strong spillover effects in the years ahead.

Translated by KHUONG THAO