In a significant development for the mountainous commune of Canh Liên, located in Binh Đinh province, the area has recently been recognized as the largest commune in the province following an administrative merger. Known as the "gateway" to Binh Đinh, Canh Liên sits at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views and a unique climate.
According to Mr. Đinh Văn Mực, the Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Canh Liên, the commune is home to more than 90% ethnic minorities, primarily the Ba Na people. Historically, the living conditions in Canh Liên were quite challenging. The residents relied heavily on agriculture, primarily rice cultivation and shifting cultivation, while lacking basic necessities such as electricity, roads, and clean water.
However, recent years have brought substantial improvements, largely due to state investments and the community's efforts to uplift their living standards. The introduction of the national power grid has been a game changer, reaching even the most remote villages within the commune. This progress has significantly enhanced the quality of life for the residents.
Mr. Dương Hiệp Hòa, Chairman of the Vân Canh District People's Committee, shared insights into the administrative changes following the merger. "After the merger, Vân Canh district now comprises three communes: Vân Canh, Canh Vinh, and Canh Liên. Canh Liên stands out with a natural area of over 331 square kilometers, which is 332% of the standard requirement, and a population of 2,357 people, reaching 236% of the standard,” he explained. This makes Canh Liên not only the largest commune in Binh Đinh but also a vital area for potential development.
Canh Liên's geographical position, bordering Gia Lai and Phú Yên provinces, is another advantage. The region is rich in forests and boasts a temperate climate, making it an ideal spot for developing eco-tourism and community tourism. Mr. Hòa emphasized the potential for tourism, stating, "There are many opportunities for ecological and community tourism development here due to our natural resources and climate. We are optimistic about the future of Canh Liên as a tourist destination."
On April 28, 2025, the Binh Đinh Provincial People's Council convened for its 23rd session to discuss important matters, including the arrangement of administrative units at the commune level for 2025. During this session, Mr. Phạm Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the Binh Đinh Provincial People's Committee, presented a proposal for restructuring administrative units in both Binh Đinh and Gia Lai provinces.
In a parallel development, the Ministry of Finance reported that public investment capital disbursement in the first four months of 2025 has reached 128,500 billion VND, which is 15.56% of the target set by the Prime Minister. This figure represents an increase compared to the same period last year, where disbursement was 110,500 billion VND, although the percentage of completion was slightly lower than 16.64% from 2024.
Disbursement from the central budget accounted for approximately 46,694 billion VND, achieving only 13.33% of the Prime Minister's target, down from 16.79% in 2024. In contrast, local budget disbursement reached about 81,819 billion VND, which is 17.2% of the target, showing a slight improvement from 16.56% last year. Additionally, funds allocated for three national target programs amounted to 4,707.3 billion VND, hitting 21.43% of the assigned plan.
The Ministry of Finance noted that while the overall disbursement has improved, some regions still lag behind. Specifically, 10 out of 47 ministries and 35 out of 63 localities exceeded the national average for disbursement rates. However, several areas, including Khánh Hòa, Cao Bằng, Bình Dương, Đồng Nai, An Giang, Sóc Trăng, and Quảng Trị, reported disbursement rates below 10%.
Despite the improvements, the Ministry of Finance emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure that public investment disbursement reaches the 100% target set for 2025. This year’s goal marks a shift from previous years, where the target was 95%. The ministry has proposed various solutions to enhance disbursement, particularly in light of ongoing administrative restructuring.
During the regular government meeting in April 2025, the Ministry of Finance outlined the importance of maintaining continuity in project execution and disbursement, especially for major national projects such as highways and key transportation initiatives. They stressed the necessity for local governments to ensure that all related activities, including planning, appraisal, land clearance, and project execution, are clearly handed over to avoid disruptions.
Moreover, as administrative units are being streamlined, the Ministry of Finance urged local authorities to identify the progress of each project, conduct regular site inspections, and address any issues that arise promptly. This proactive approach is crucial, especially in newly merged areas where the scope of governance may have expanded.
In summary, the developments in Canh Liên commune highlight the positive changes brought about by state investment and community resilience. As the area transitions into a larger administrative unit, the potential for growth in tourism and improved living conditions is promising. Meanwhile, the government’s focus on enhancing public investment disbursement underscores the critical need for effective management and execution of infrastructure projects across the country.
