On April 19, 2025, the Hai Duong Provincial People's Committee presented a significant proposal aimed at restructuring the province's administrative divisions. The plan, which is currently under consideration, suggests a reduction of the existing 207 administrative units to just 64, which includes 21 wards and 43 communes. This restructuring is part of a broader effort to streamline governance and improve administrative efficiency in the region.
Currently, Hai Duong comprises 151 communes, 46 wards, and 10 towns, but the proposed changes would see a decrease of 143 units, which includes the elimination of 118 communes and towns and 25 wards. If approved, this will mark a substantial shift in how local governance is organized and administered.
One of the most notable aspects of the proposal is the potential establishment of a specialized economic zone that would function as a commune-level administrative unit. This new zone, referred to as Thanh Mien 2, would be created by merging the entirety of Binh Xuyen commune with portions of several other communes in Binh Giang and Thanh Mien districts. After the merger, Thanh Mien 2 is expected to cover an area of 53.01 square kilometers and accommodate a population of 60,709 residents.
The restructuring plan is not just a matter of administrative reorganization; it aims to address several pressing issues in Hai Duong. The province currently faces challenges related to urbanization, with a rate of approximately 30.88%. Many existing urban administrative units have failed to meet population and area criteria, leading to fragmented resource allocation and inefficient management.
Hai Duong's administrative landscape includes 12 district-level units, consisting of two cities, one town, and nine districts. However, the existing configuration of 207 commune-level units has proven cumbersome, particularly in areas with high traffic density and infrastructural challenges. The proposed changes aim to create a more cohesive administrative structure that can better manage urban development and public services.
As part of this process, the provincial authorities are actively seeking input from local residents. On April 19, districts, towns, and cities within Hai Duong will conduct polls to gather public opinions on the administrative restructuring project. This feedback is crucial as it will inform the final decision-making process, which is expected to be completed by April 21, 2025.
Meanwhile, in a parallel effort, the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee has also been working on its own administrative restructuring plan. On April 18, 2025, the committee approved a project that will reduce the number of commune-level administrative units from 412 to 130. This includes merging various communes and maintaining significant historical names, such as Kim Lien, which is directly associated with the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh.
Kim Lien commune will be formed by merging five existing communes: Kim Lien, Hung Tien, Xuan Hong, Nam Giang, and Nam Cat, resulting in a new administrative unit covering 61.08 square kilometers and housing a population of 55,471. The decision to retain the name Kim Lien reflects the area’s historical significance and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving local identity amidst administrative changes.
In addition to Kim Lien, the former town of Cua Lo will also see its name retained in the new administrative structure, as it transitions into a ward under Vinh city. This ward will encompass the area of the former Cua Lo town and is expected to cover 29.09 square kilometers with a population of over 64,700. Cua Lo is recognized as a key tourism destination in Nghe An, and maintaining its name is seen as essential for both social stability and economic promotion.
The restructuring in Nghe An is part of a broader initiative that seeks to align administrative units with contemporary socio-economic realities. The province plans to finalize the details of the restructuring and submit them to the Provincial People's Council for approval by April 28, 2025.
Both Hai Duong and Nghe An provinces are at the forefront of administrative reform in Vietnam, showcasing a commitment to enhancing local governance and improving public service delivery. By reducing the number of administrative units, these provinces aim to create more manageable and effective governance structures that can respond better to the needs of their populations.
The proposed changes in both provinces are significant and reflect a growing trend in Vietnam to modernize local governance. As the country continues to develop, the importance of efficient administrative structures cannot be overstated. The success of these initiatives will depend largely on the engagement and feedback from local communities, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
As these proposals move forward, all eyes will be on Hai Duong and Nghe An to see how these changes unfold and what impact they will have on local governance and community development in the coming years.
