Developing public service culture in the industry and trade sector, fostering pride among industry and trade officials

In attendance were Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Head of the Steering Committee; Deputy Minister Truong Thanh Hoai, Deputy Head of the Steering Committee; Director General of the Personnel and Organization Department Tran Quang Huy, Standing Member of the Steering Committee; and representatives of units under the ministry.

Reporting on the current state of public service culture within the sector, Director General of the Personnel and Organization Department Tran Quang Huy said that in 2023, the MoIT issued Decision No. 1239/QD-BCT promulgating the Code of Conduct for officials, civil servants, public employees and workers of the ministry.

In recent years, the MoIT has achieved a number of positive outcomes, including stepping up the application of information technology and building e-government through the effective implementation of the Online Public Service Portal and the National Single Window Steering Committee; carrying out comprehensive administrative reform, simplifying procedures and shortening processing times for businesses and citizens; fostering an increasingly professional and modern working environment; and initially forming a culture of innovation by encouraging initiatives and improvements in professional processes.

Regarding the implementation of working regulations, the application of the quality management system in accordance with TCVN ISO 9001 standards and the deployment of the 5S model at the ministry, Deputy Chief of the MoIT Office Hoang Anh Duong noted that the ministry annually promulgates plans and quality objectives, conducts internal inspections and evaluations, consolidates the ISO Steering Committee, and standardizes work processes. The 5S program has been strengthened through the review and reorganization of facilities, replacement of equipment, and scientific arrangement of working spaces, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of public service activities and promoting a professional office image.

At the meeting, participants discussed and reached broad consensus on the establishment of the Steering Committee for developing public service culture in the industry and trade sector, underscoring the necessity of formulating and implementing specific action programs to inspire pride and uphold the core values of the sector.

Commending the contributions of Steering Committee members and representatives of subordinate units, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung emphasized the importance of developing the culture of the industry and trade sector. Citing research studies, he stated that among the core competencies of individuals, cultural competence plays a foundational role, serving as the “root” that determines the development of professional capacity, governance and other skills.

He noted that recent realities have posed numerous difficulties and challenges for the sector. However, in the course of operation, any organization experiences both favorable periods and challenging phases. The crucial task, he stressed, is to identify the driving force and the strong “adhesive” that can consolidate the foundation and create momentum for the sustainable development of the entire sector.

Based on opinions raised at the meeting, the Steering Committee agreed to implement a project on building the culture of the industry and trade sector, encompassing its core values, including human resources, knowledge, traditions and development history. The Acting Minister directed the establishment of an assisting team to support the Steering Committee in implementing the project, with the participation of representatives from units and socio-political organizations.

The Department of Personnel and Organization, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade was assigned to take the lead, in coordination with relevant units, in studying and developing the project on the basis of thorough assessment, survey and careful consultation. It will also review existing regulations and research the formulation of a new set of working regulations and code of conduct for the sector, building upon previously issued regulations, and coordinate the implementation of the project.

The MoIT Office was tasked with reviewing and supplementing content related to public service culture in working regulations, strengthening the application of ISO and 5S, and developing a brand identity system for the industry and trade sector.

The Acting Minister emphasized the need to formulate an internal communication plan, promote the exemplary role of leaders, strengthen a culture of compliance, discipline and internal coordination, foster a sense of personal responsibility, encourage effective working habits and cultivate a culture of self-training and continuous knowledge updating, moving toward the establishment of library systems at the ministry’s working centers.

He also called for the prompt establishment of a Liaison Board for the Retired Officials Association of the industry and trade sector, demonstrating respect for its history and previous generations.

Toward the anniversary of the industry and trade sector’s traditional day, Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung called on all officials, civil servants, public employees and workers to uphold the sector’s proud tradition, enhance intergenerational cohesion, and jointly build a distinctive cultural foundation for the industry and trade sector, a foundation that enables every official to feel proud whenever they think of or return to the sector.