On April 22, 2025, a significant development unfolded in Bac Giang province as nearly 464,000 voters participated in a crucial vote concerning the merger of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh provinces. This voting event, held on April 21, saw an impressive turnout, with 99.48% of households in the province represented. Notably, 98.53% of voters expressed their support for the merger, showcasing a strong consensus among the electorate.
The results revealed that 136 administrative units at the commune level achieved voter agreement rates of 99% or higher, with six units reporting a perfect 100% approval. Furthermore, among the proposed arrangements for the administrative units, 103 units received similar high levels of support, including four units that achieved unanimous consent.
Prior to this vote, Bac Giang province organized a comprehensive collection of public opinions on the merger, which was executed simultaneously across various localities on April 20. According to the draft proposal, the two provinces will merge under the name Bac Ninh, with the political-administrative center situated in Bac Giang city.
The restructuring plan entails the consolidation of 192 commune-level administrative units into 58, comprising 13 wards and 45 communes. Remarkably, 191 of these units will undergo merging to create 57 new administrative units, with Tuan Dao commune in Son Dong district being the only exception. This commune, with a natural area of 97.87 km² and a population of 6,407—including 2,749 ethnic minority residents—was exempted due to its unique characteristics and previous administrative changes.
The Department of Home Affairs of Bac Giang province is collaborating closely with the Department of Home Affairs of Bac Ninh to finalize the necessary documentation for the administrative arrangement of the two localities. This submission is expected to be made to the Ministry of Home Affairs before May 1, 2025.
In light of the merger, the new Bac Ninh province is projected to cover an area of 4,718.6 km², housing a population exceeding 3.6 million people, and will consist of 99 administrative units. This merger not only aims to streamline governance but also to enhance economic development in the region.
In addition to this administrative restructuring, Bac Giang is also focusing on educational advancements. The city has emerged as a leader in educational reform, emphasizing a modern and flexible approach that prioritizes student needs. Over the past several years, Bac Giang city has consistently excelled in student competitions, securing a total of 452 provincial-level awards, which accounts for nearly 24% of the total awards in the province. This achievement underscores the city’s commitment to fostering academic excellence.
As part of its agricultural initiatives, Bac Giang is set to maintain its status as the "lychee capital" of Vietnam in 2025, with plans to cultivate lychee on over 29,700 hectares, yielding an estimated 165,000 tons. The early lychee harvest is scheduled from May 20 to June 15, 2025, covering approximately 8,000 hectares, while the main crop will be harvested from June 10 to July 15, 2025, on an area of 21,700 hectares.
To facilitate the export market, the province is actively promoting digital transformation in agricultural practices and expanding the area under GlobalGAP standards. The provincial government is committed to simplifying administrative procedures to support businesses and traders involved in lychee production and sales.
In a related infrastructure development, a new 1.6 km road in Phuc Hoa commune, Tan Yen district, has been completed and is now operational as of April 2025. This project, which required nearly 15 billion VND in investment, was made possible through the collective effort of over 60 households who voluntarily donated nearly 11,000 m² of land.
Moreover, in a public safety initiative, over 500 individuals have been penalized for violating alcohol concentration regulations in the vicinity of the industrial zone in Viet Yen town. This enforcement effort highlights the local government’s commitment to maintaining public safety, particularly around industrial areas.
Tragically, on April 21, an accident occurred in Duong Huy village, Trung Son commune, where a student suffered severe injuries due to a high-voltage electric shock while attempting to retrieve a kite stuck in a power line. The incident underscores the ongoing risks associated with electrical safety in the region.
As the province moves forward with these significant changes and initiatives, the commitment of local authorities to ensure a smooth transition during this merger and to enhance the quality of life for its residents remains a top priority. The successful integration of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh provinces is anticipated to yield positive outcomes for governance, economic development, and community welfare.
