On March 17, 2025, discussions continued around the sensitive issue of naming provinces following their merger. Representatives and experts involved highlight the complexity of the task, emphasizing cultural heritage and development potential as key factors.
During the recent deliberations, Representative Nguyễn Tạo from the Lâm Đồng provincial delegation addressed the challenges associated with assigning new names to the merged provinces. He pointed out the importance of selecting names based on historical significance and future growth prospects. “Choosing the name of the locality with greater development potential might lead to more effective governance,” he said, illustrating the dilemma faced when deciding names for merged regions.
Tạo suggested considering traditional names or combinations, sharing the example of Cao Bắc Lạng, which merges the names of Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, and Lạng Sơn, three provinces located within the Northeast region. He believes reverting to names tied to historical events, such as the name Thuận Lâm representing the potential merger of Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, and Bình Thuận, might offer cohesion and continuity amid change.
Joining the conversation, Dr. Mai Thị Mai, Deputy Head of the Constitutional Law Department at Hanoi Law University, echoed similar sentiments. On the same day, she emphasized the need for legal grounding before changes to administrative units can take place, indicating pending constitutional amendments necessary for the merger process to move forward.
Mai elaborated on three naming approaches following the mergers: preserving elements of existing names, reviving historical names like Hà Nam Ninh or Hoàng Liên Sơn, or opting for entirely new designations. “Each method needs to undergo considerable scrutiny,” she warned, indicating the diversity of opinions and the inherent risks of naming regions without due diligence on local customs and sensitivities.
Further compelling insights came from Dr. Lê Trung Kiên of the Hồ Chí Minh Institute and leaders of the Party, who cautioned against choosing names based on arbitrary combinations. He stressed the importance of history and tradition, arguing against “mechanically combined or overly long names.” Kiên remarked, “Naming should reflect local characteristics and resonate with the historical and cultural identity of the regions.”
The urgency of restructuring administrative divisions stems from Conclusion No. 127-KL/TW, which outlines the reorganization of government structures, including the merger of provinces. The aim is to streamline governance and improve efficacy, but officials also face the challenge of addressing public sentiments positively. Citizens have actively commented on restructuring progress through official channels and social media, with mixed reactions to proposed changes.
With the government poised to halve the number of existing provinces and substantially reduce grassroots administrative units, concern also arises over how to maintain local identities throughout the transition. Many fear losing historical names could dilute cultural distinctions.
Examining public concerns, former Deputy Minister of the Interior, Trần Anh Tuấn, discussed necessary evaluations for determining administrative centers of merged provinces. He expressed the value of selecting historically and geographically significant locations for new capitals, highlighting interconnectivity and effective governance facilitation among merged areas.
Such discussions are not without criticism, as misinformation often emerges each time the government proposes significant administrative reforms. Concerns about potential identity loss and the integrity of local governance structures have led some to spread misconceptions on social media platforms, calling for vigilance against the distortion of facts.
Addressing this misinformation, the article underlined the importance of distinguishing between credible information and rumors. Officials urged the public to seek authenticity and drawn attention to the necessity of sticking to verified sources to prevent misconceptions and maintain community solidarity during this transformative process.
The merging of provinces aims to boost economic and social development across the regions involved. Nevertheless, achieving this goal is contingent upon the careful selection of names and the broad participation and acceptance of local citizens, who, after all, are most affected by these decisions.
“This is not merely about modernization; it's about forging new identities for our regions, ensuring they thrive within the contemporary framework of national development,” emphasized Nguyễn Tạo, compelling local stakeholders to unite behind this shared vision for the future.
While the road to restructuring local governance is replete with challenges, it also presents opportunities for rejuvenation and growth. Adapting to new realities may, after all, lead to more vibrant, economically resilient, and culturally respected regions for generations to come.