Vietnamese Civil Servants Transition to Private Sector Amid Reforms

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Phan Xuân Diện shows herbal teas from cà gai leo (Solanum procumbens), a traditional medicinal plant. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News.

 

HÀ NỘI — As Vietnam undergoes significant public sector reforms, a growing number of civil servants are choosing to leave stable government positions to explore opportunities in the private sector. Prompted by the Party’s Resolution No 18-NQ/TW, these reforms aim to streamline the public sector, reduce bureaucracy, and align human resources with global economic demands.

 

This policy shift has encouraged stories of personal reinvention, as former State employees take bold steps into entrepreneurship. Lê Thế Phong, once a teacher in Thanh Hóa Province, resigned after 13 years to start a wood-chipping business, employing local workers and generating substantial profit. Despite initial family concerns, Phong is pleased with his decision to pursue his business passion.

 

Similarly, former journalist Bùi Chính Thu and his wife left their long-held State jobs to start their own business, gaining newfound autonomy over their lives and finances. He urges young professionals to embrace change, highlighting adaptability and critical thinking as key to success.

 

Phan Xuân Diện, who worked on a government project in Nghệ An Province, founded Pù Mát Pharmaceutical JSC, producing herbal teas from traditional plants. Despite challenges, he values the freedom to pursue his passions and the positive impact on local farmers.

 

 

As these stories unfold, the private sector in Vietnam is thriving, offering former civil servants avenues for contribution outside government. Local leaders acknowledge the benefits of this shift, with provincial policies enabling hundreds of early retirements to make way for new, capable leaders.

 

Support mechanisms, such as preferential credit packages and entrepreneurship training, are essential to help these early retirees succeed in the private sector. Recent legislative amendments have improved retirement benefits, yet efficient processing remains crucial for a smooth transition.

 

Overall, while the public sector's evolution aims at efficiency, it also opens opportunities for individuals to redefine their careers, ultimately benefiting Vietnam's broader economic landscape, reported Vietna, News.

 

-- 2025-03-24