In a period marked by sweeping changes to Vietnam’s organizational and financial landscapes, two significant restructuring efforts are reshaping both the social and economic fabric of the nation. On October 2, 2025, the People’s Committee of Ca Mau province announced a major merger of mass organizations, while Agribank, one of Vietnam’s largest banks, has been pushing forward with a strategic reorganization of its branch network in Nghe An province. These parallel developments, though distinct in sector and scope, highlight a broader national push toward streamlined governance and inclusive economic growth.
The decision in Ca Mau, as reported by local authorities, involves merging various mass organizations previously operating independently in the provinces of Ca Mau and Bac Lieu (the former administrative region) into unified provincial bodies under Ca Mau’s jurisdiction. The move, according to the People’s Committee, aims to “streamline the organizational apparatus, enhance operational efficiency, and meet the demands of management in the new era.” After the merger, Ca Mau now boasts 15 mass organizations assigned by the Party and State. These include the Journalists’ Association, Cooperative Alliance, Friendship Organizations Association, Council of Elders, Elderly Association, Former Youth Volunteers Association, Blind Association, Lawyers Association, Red Cross Association, Science and Technology Associations Union, Disabled and Orphan Support Association, Study Promotion Association, Literature and Arts Union, Patriotic Political Prisoners Association, and the Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims Association.
At the official announcement, Le Thanh Trieu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ca Mau province, underscored the significance of the merger. “It is crucial that the new chairpersons quickly stabilize their organizations, thoroughly implement propaganda and mobilization, recruit and unite members, fully care for members’ legitimate rights and interests, and urgently implement the merger contents to ensure continuous, effective, and lawful operation of the associations,” he stated. The message was clear: the success of this merger depends not only on administrative decisions but also on the commitment of leadership and the engagement of members at every level.
This focus on efficiency and streamlined management is echoed in the financial sector, where Agribank has embarked on a comprehensive restructuring of its network, particularly in the dynamic province of Nghe An. Between September 30 and October 1, To Huy Vu, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Member Council of Agribank, led a working group to meet with three local branches—Tay Nghe An, Nam Nghe An, and Nghe An. The goal: to assess the operational status for early 2025 and to implement the bank’s network reorganization plan, which is closely tied to Agribank’s broader restructuring efforts and its ongoing strategy for dealing with bad debt during the 2021-2025 period.
During these sessions, To Huy Vu personally oversaw the launch of operations at the Do Luong II Nam Nghe An branch and the Vinh Nghe An branch, both newly established under the Nam Nghe An and Nghe An branches, respectively. According to Agribank’s leadership, these moves demonstrate “determined leadership and decisive management by the Party Committee, Member Council, and Executive Board to enhance the operational capacity of existing branches in Nghe An, and reinforce Agribank’s commitment to realizing the national strategy for comprehensive financial inclusion.”
This commitment to outreach is not just rhetoric. Agribank’s restructuring plan, enabled in part by Circular 32 of the State Bank of Vietnam (effective August 15, 2024), allows for more scientific and efficient network management, including the flexibility to relocate branches between provinces and cities. This regulatory change has been a game-changer for Agribank, especially as it seeks to adapt its network to local economic realities and maximize the use of its resources.
Nghe An, with an area of nearly 16,500 square kilometers, ranks as the largest province in Vietnam and boasts the second-highest GRDP growth rate in the North Central region and 13th nationwide. The province’s economic potential is further underscored by its status as one of only 11 provinces to maintain its administrative level—a testament to its stability and prospects. By 2030, both Vinh city and the Southeast Economic Zone are slated to become smart cities and regional growth poles, reflecting ambitious development plans.
Currently, Agribank’s network in Nghe An consists of three type I branches, 19 type II branches, and 47 transaction offices. In 2025, Agribank, with strong support from provincial authorities, decided to supplement and consolidate its network, particularly in rural, mountainous, and disadvantaged areas. The aim is to empower farmers, cooperatives, and small to medium enterprises by improving access to capital and technology—key drivers for sustainable economic development.
One notable aspect of this restructuring is the transfer of two underperforming type II branches from Nha Trang city to Nghe An, where they have been reconstituted as the Vinh Nghe An branch and the Do Luong II Nam Nghe An branch. This move is described by Agribank as “strategically necessary, reasonable, and indicative of the bank’s determination to become the leading institution serving agriculture, farmers, and rural areas, bringing prosperity to customers.”
With nearly 2,300 branches and transaction offices nationwide—most of which are concentrated in rural areas—Agribank is a dominant force in providing credit and banking services to Vietnam’s “three rural” sectors, which collectively account for 65% of the population and 30% of national GDP. The bank’s ongoing network development in Nghe An is part of a larger effort to proactively expand market share, respond to rising demand for banking products and services, and improve the operational efficiency of its branches and transaction offices.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new branches, To Huy Vu expressed his confidence in the local leadership: “I believe the branch leadership will demonstrate the highest sense of responsibility, strong determination, and unity to ensure the branches operate effectively, safely, and sustainably from the very beginning.” He also emphasized Agribank’s commitment to supporting local residents and businesses in accessing capital, thereby driving robust economic growth in the province.
Agribank’s approach goes beyond simply expanding its physical presence. The bank is integrating traditional branches with mobile banking vehicles, digital banking services, and mobile phone banking to ensure comprehensive financial coverage—even in the most remote corners of Nghe An. This strategy ensures that “no one is left behind in accessing modern financial services,” as Agribank leaders often assert.
Both the Ca Mau mass organization merger and Agribank’s network expansion in Nghe An reflect a broader trend in Vietnam: a drive for modernization, inclusivity, and efficient governance. Whether in the realm of social organizations or financial services, these changes are intended to foster greater cohesion, unlock local potential, and ensure that development benefits reach every segment of society. As local leaders and institutions adapt to these new realities, the hope is that streamlined structures and targeted investments will pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable future.
