Hanoi is undergoing a significant administrative restructuring, aiming to streamline its governance by reducing the number of its administrative units. Currently, the city has 30 district-level administrative units, comprising 12 districts, 17 rural districts, and one town. Additionally, there are 526 commune-level administrative units, which include 160 wards, 345 communes, and 21 towns. In a bold move, the city plans to cut down the number of communes and wards by approximately 70%, which would leave it with around 133 administrative units.
As the city gears up for this transition, local authorities are actively engaging with residents to gather their opinions on the proposed changes. This feedback process is crucial as it will inform the final decisions regarding the new administrative structure.
In a meeting held on April 18, 2025, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Tran Sy Thanh, emphasized the city's commitment to following the directives from the Central Government. He stated, "Hanoi will follow the direction of the Central Government and strive to reduce about 70% of the number of communes and wards." This statement underscores the city's determination to modernize its administrative framework.
The proposed restructuring includes specific plans for various districts. For instance, Ba Dinh district, which currently has 13 wards, is expected to be consolidated into three: Ba Dinh, Ngoc Ha, and Giang Vo. Similarly, Hoan Kiem district, with its 18 administrative units, is set to establish two new wards, Hoan Kiem and Cua Nam. Furthermore, two wards from Hoan Kiem, Chuong Duong and Phuc Tan, are slated to merge with wards from Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, Hai Ba Trung, and Long Bien districts to create the new Hong Ha ward.
In Tay Ho district, which consists of eight wards, the plan is to simplify this down to two: Tay Ho and Phu Thuong. Meanwhile, Hai Ba Trung district, which currently has 15 wards, is expected to be restructured into three: Hai Ba Trung, Bach Mai, and Vinh Tuy. The restructuring will also affect Cau Giay district, which will see its eight wards reduced to three: Cau Giay, Nghia Do, and Yen Hoa.
Hoang Mai district, with its 14 wards, is anticipated to be consolidated into seven, while Dong Da district's 17 wards will be reduced to five. Long Bien district will see its 13 wards streamlined into four, and Ha Dong, which has 15 wards, will be arranged into five. Additionally, My Duc district, currently home to 20 communes and towns, is set to be simplified to four communes, while Me Linh district, which has 17 commune-level units, will also be arranged into four communes.
As part of this process, local governments are tasked with collecting public opinions on the proposed arrangements. This feedback must be gathered by April 21, 2025, to be reported to the district level. Following this, the district authorities will compile and approve the policies for arranging administrative units, reporting the results to the City People's Committee by April 26, 2025.
Once the feedback is collected and reviewed, the Hanoi People's Committee plans to finalize the proposal for the new administrative structure. The dossier for this will be submitted to the City People's Council for approval by April 29, 2025. Afterward, the city will complete the necessary documentation to present to the Government and the National Assembly Standing Committee before the deadline of May 1, 2025.
This administrative overhaul is not just about reducing numbers; it reflects a broader vision for modernizing Hanoi's governance. Officials believe that a streamlined administrative structure will enhance efficiency, improve service delivery to residents, and ultimately contribute to the city's development goals.
As Hanoi prepares for these changes, the city is also celebrating the upcoming 50th anniversary of the South Vietnam Liberation and National Reunification Day on April 30, 2025. This historic milestone is being marked with various events, including a military parade rehearsal in Dong Nai on April 19, 2025, showcasing the city's commitment to honoring its history while looking forward to a modern administrative future.
In addition to the administrative restructuring, significant events are also taking place in the city. BYD Vietnam is set to host a series of events known as 'BYD Technology Week' at the F1 Racetrack in the My Dinh Sports Complex on April 19 and 20, 2025. This event promises to showcase innovative technologies and engage the community in discussions about the future of transportation and technology in Vietnam.
As the city moves forward with these plans, residents of Hanoi are encouraged to participate in the discussions surrounding the administrative changes. Their input is vital in shaping a governance structure that meets the needs of a growing urban population.
Overall, the proposed administrative restructuring in Hanoi represents a significant shift in how the city will manage its resources and serve its citizens. With careful planning and community involvement, these changes could pave the way for a more efficient and responsive government.
