The Prime Minister issued a decision in February in 2009 to approve the establishment of the private bailiff system in an aim to cut the workload of the state's agencies that issue judgments.

Under the decision, the five newly established offices will act as private enterprises and the power to execute court judgments.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyen Duc Chinh said the opening of the offices was a sign of the Government's willingness to allow private sectors to participate in some judicial agencies' activities.

The offices, whose authority is endorsed by the state, must act legally and protect the people's legitimate interests.

HCM City is the first locality in the country allowed by the Government to open bailiff offices before 2012.

The Government is currently drafting legislation to guide the operation of the private bailiff system.

The offices are located in 104 Dien Bien Phu Street in District 1; 40 Huynh Man Dat Street in District 5; 809B-811 Ta Quang Buu in District 8; 19R Nguyen Huu Canh Street in Binh Thanh District; and 717 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street in Tan Binh District. — VNS