A Name Doesn’t Determine A Province’s Prosperity, But A Clear Vision Can Foster Sustainable Development
The ongoing debate regarding the naming of a province in Vietnam highlights the importance of cultural identity and economic strategy in administrative decisions. Recently, two main perspectives have emerged: one advocating for the retention of a strong brand name to leverage existing advantages, while the other supports adopting a new name to promote balance among merged regions.
According to Bui Quang, the author of an insightful article, changing a province’s name does not erase its identity. He argues that while a strong brand name can attract investment and spur economic growth, the essence of a province lies in its cultural heritage, which remains intact regardless of the name. "Culture is what remains when everything else is forgotten," he asserts, emphasizing that cultural values, such as traditional songs and local customs, endure even if the name fades from memory.
However, there's a practical side to this discussion. A brand name that resonates with the market can serve as a powerful asset for a new province, facilitating immediate economic opportunities. If a name has a strong market presence, it can be a launching pad for attracting investments. Conversely, if a new name is chosen merely for the sake of balance, without a strong connection to the region’s identity, it may inadvertently hinder development.
As Bui Quang points out, the government must ensure that all regions within a province benefit from its brand. This is crucial to avoid creating a “center-periphery” dynamic, where only the central areas thrive while others lag behind. If a new name is selected, it must carry significance and be deeply rooted in the region’s cultural, historical, or geographical context.
As Mr. Bui Xuan Son, a former provincial leader, reflects on the potential merger of the provinces of Nam Dinh, Ha Nam, and Ninh Binh, he recalls that when these provinces were separated nearly 30 years ago, he believed they would eventually reunite. He emphasizes that merging provinces aligns with the goal of streamlining administrative structures and creating larger, more cohesive development spaces.
"When we merged Ha Nam Ninh, we created a larger development space that included sea, plains, and mountains, connecting the advantages of each province," Mr. Son explains. He notes the distinct strengths of each area: Nam Dinh’s agricultural potential, Ha Nam’s industrial capacity, and Ninh Binh’s thriving tourism sector. However, he cautions that any merger must prioritize the development of all three provinces, ensuring that investment is directed towards those with the most potential for growth.
Despite these opportunities, Mr. Son acknowledges the challenges of merging provinces. He points out that state management poses significant hurdles, particularly as economic interests can conflict with administrative duties. He urges leaders to adopt a broad vision and prioritize the common good, ensuring equitable development across all regions.
Moreover, he highlights the importance of retaining talent within provinces. Nam Dinh, for example, struggles to keep skilled individuals, as many leave for opportunities in larger cities. "Nam Dinh is a cradle of high-quality human resources, yet we lose our best talent to other regions," he laments.
As the discussion on provincial names unfolds, it is clear that the implications extend beyond mere branding. The name of a province should serve its development goals rather than act as a barrier. The focus must remain on how the leadership can harness cultural values to drive economic growth and ensure that all citizens benefit from the province’s prosperity.
In a related context, the merging of administrative units brings about practical changes in documentation. According to the recent regulations, citizens are not required to change their Citizen Identification Cards unless they choose to do so. Cards issued before July 1, 2024, remain valid until their expiration date. Furthermore, individuals will only need to update their driver's licenses if the information differs from their identification cards.
The new guidelines also state that certificates of land use rights issued before August 1, 2024, will continue to hold legal value without needing to be replaced, unless the land user requests a change. This is a significant relief for citizens amid the administrative changes, as it minimizes the burden of paperwork and associated costs.
Resolution 35/2023/UBTVQH15 further clarifies that documents issued prior to the administrative reorganization will still be valid if they have not expired. Additionally, individuals will not incur fees when changing documents due to administrative restructuring, as highlighted in the recent Official Dispatch 43-CV/BCĐ issued on March 20, 2025.
This decision aims to alleviate the financial strain on citizens and businesses during the transition period, ensuring a smoother process as provinces and communes merge. The goal is to complete all necessary document updates by June 30, 2025, creating a streamlined approach to governance that respects the needs of the populace.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions about provincial naming and administrative mergers in Vietnam underscore the complexity of balancing cultural identity with economic development. As leaders navigate these changes, they must remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment that honors the past while paving the way for future growth. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on the ability of leaders to implement effective management strategies that prioritize the welfare of all citizens.
