Lessons from Dubai: A Call for Change in Vietnam’s Development Process

Minister Nguyen Chi Dung shared his concerns about the slow development in Vietnam compared to Dubai, where five years yielded 500 buildings valued at $20 billion. He noted the bureaucratic delays that hinder Vietnam’s growth.

He pointed out that Dubai’s urban planning follows just two key principles: buildings must be unique, and adjacent structures should not align in straight lines. The regulations regarding safety and construction are straightforward, which allows for rapid development.

In Dubai, the ruler reviewed the city’s final design in merely two hours, unlike Vietnam, where acquiring permits for a luxury hotel can take up to three years. “If Dubai had to navigate our system, it would take 1,500 years,” he humorously remarked.

Minister Dung often references the insights found in Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s book, “My Vision.” This book contains valuable lessons in governance and leadership that resonate with his discussions in the National Assembly.

One notable quote from the book states, “A great leader prioritizes the community’s needs over self-interest and builds trust through actions. Leadership based on love and respect diverges greatly from that driven by fear.”

This perspective sheds light on Dubai’s transformation from a small emirate of 2 million residents and spanning 4,000 square kilometers into a thriving global city, where 95% of its revenue comes from tourism and real estate, and only 5% from oil.

The author’s analogy about competition is striking: “In Africa, a gazelle must run faster than the fastest lion each morning, and a lion must outpace the slowest gazelle to survive. This reflects the nature of human competition.”

The vision articulated in Dubai emphasizes clarity of goals, abundant resources, and a determined will to overcome challenges, demanding nothing less than exemplary leadership.

In contrast, as discussions on legislative reform unfold in the National Assembly in Vietnam, it is essential to eliminate obstacles and encourage growth, especially amidst current stagnation.

For example, the approval process for coal power projects can span 5-6 years, while gas projects take 7-8 years. Nuclear energy projects may take a decade if initiated today. As noted by the Minister of Industry and Trade, no significant power initiatives have been launched in the past decade.

The bureaucratic hurdles are evident, illustrated by stories like needing 13 permits for a single chocolate bar or the paradox of poultry approvals taking longer than the time required to raise the chickens.

In a recent address, General Secretary To Lam highlighted the impact of inefficiency, stating it undermines public faith in leadership and creates hidden barriers to both economic and social growth. This, in turn, results in missed opportunities for the nation’s progress.

He further pointed out forms of waste within legal frameworks that are misaligned with the actual reform needs of the country, leading to significant resource losses and hindrances. Complex bureaucratic processes burden businesses and individuals, compounded by limitations in online public services and challenges related to corruption and negligence within government bodies.

Recognizing these issues is pivotal for initiating meaningful change.