In support of RIA (the Viet Nam practice)

RIA is of course applied in many countries as a matter of course, but a recent discussion on the LinkedIn Smart Regulation discussion page shows that there is still some discussion about its relevance and impact. Scott Jacobs started a discussion under the heading "in support of RIA" which attracted 28 technical contributions. One of the countries quoted was Viet Nam, for which a 2008 study showed that each full RIA was estimated to cost approximately US$500, but the introduction of RIA is expected to save the private sector 100, 000 times that amount through a reduced or more efficient regulatory regime. Today, Viet Nam News publishes an interview of Dr Phan, director of the Administrative Procedures Control Agency (APCA) about the role of impact assessments in the regulatory reform process. Here is an interesting quote: "Impact assessment can be understood simply as a process of subjecting a draft regulation to over 50 specific questions in a standard form, grouped in four criteria groups: necessity, reasonableness, legality and effectiveness. This assessment needs to take place before the draft is circulated for comment. In other words, a regulation must prove its necessity, reasonableness, legality and effectiveness rather than be based only on subjective factors and experiences of officials. This is a scientific approach and will prove effective if civil servants perform their duties with a sense of fairness and responsibility. Heads of administrative agencies must care about the quality of the regulation rather than the issuance process."