Hanoi has embarked on a significant administrative restructuring, recently approving a policy to reorganize its commune-level administrative units, consolidating 126 communes and wards into fewer, larger entities. This initiative, aimed at enhancing governance efficiency and fostering socio-economic development, is expected to create a more cohesive administrative framework.
The newly formed Ba Vi commune will boast the largest natural area in Hanoi, spanning over 81 square kilometers. It will be established by merging the entire natural area and population of the current Ba Vi, Khanh Thuong, and most of Minh Quang communes. Nguyen Tien Tha, the Chairman of Minh Quang commune, expressed optimism about the reorganization, noting that the new Ba Vi commune aligns well with the hilly terrain and the agricultural practices of the local Muong community. He emphasized that the new boundaries, defined by major roads and rivers, will facilitate easier management by local authorities.
In addition to Ba Vi, the Hong Ha ward will emerge as the second-largest administrative unit in Hanoi's inner city, covering 16.61 square kilometers. This ward will be formed by merging the entire area of 12 wards across five districts: Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Long Bien, and Hai Ba Trung. The entire Hong Ha area lies outside the Red River dike, stretching from Nhat Tan bridge to Vinh Tuy bridge. The consolidation aims to streamline governance in a region where administrative boundaries have previously led to fragmented management.
From July 1, 2025, the operation of district-level administrative units across the country will cease, marking a pivotal shift to a two-level local government system comprising only provincial and commune levels. This transition is expected to enhance the operational capacity and responsiveness of local governments, thereby improving the quality of life for residents.
Local officials and residents have largely welcomed this restructuring. For instance, Đặng Văn Nguyên from Thach Hoa commune expressed his support for the establishment of the new Hòa Lạc administrative unit, anticipating it will become a central hub for future urban development. Similarly, Nguyễn Thanh Vân from Dịch Vọng ward highlighted that the expanded administrative units would better serve local needs and enhance governance.
Hanoi's approach to this administrative overhaul has been methodical and community-focused, achieving nearly unanimous public support—close to 100%—for the proposed changes. This reflects a broader trend across Vietnam, where local governments are being encouraged to streamline operations to better serve citizens.
In Vinh Phuc province, a similar initiative is underway. On May 7, 2025, local officials reported that 99.49% of voters supported the restructuring at the provincial level, while 99.44% agreed with the arrangement of commune-level units. The province plans to reduce its 121 communes, wards, and towns to just 36 new administrative units, effectively cutting down 85 units, or 70.2%.
Vinh Phuc's provincial leaders are working closely with the central government to ensure the restructuring aligns with national directives. The administrative center will be relocated to Viet Tri City as part of a broader plan to merge Vinh Phuc, Hoa Binh, and Phu Tho provinces into a single administrative entity. This ambitious project is designed to improve governance and resource allocation across the region.
Challenges remain, however, as local officials navigate the complexities of administrative boundary changes, which necessitate updates to legal documents and administrative procedures for residents. Trần Tuấn Anh, Deputy Director of the Vinh Phuc Department of Home Affairs, acknowledged the urgency and scale of the task, emphasizing the importance of public consensus in the restructuring process.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly of Vietnam is also discussing amendments to the Constitution and laws governing local governance. On May 7, 2025, Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn reiterated the need for a streamlined and efficient government structure. He pointed out that merging provincial and commune-level units while eliminating district-level units would be a complex yet necessary step to enhance local governance.
Should the National Assembly approve the proposed amendments, it would lead to the dissolution of 694 district-level administrative units, reducing the total number of provinces and cities to 34. The plan includes a significant reduction in commune-level units, from the current 10,035 to an anticipated 3,320, reflecting a 60-70% decrease.
Chairman Mẫn emphasized the importance of decentralization, allowing local governments to make decisions that best serve their communities without excessive reliance on central authorities. He highlighted the need for local governments to have the resources necessary to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
As part of this restructuring, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidance to streamline personnel and improve the quality of civil service. A plan to reduce the workforce by 20%—excluding education and health sectors—has been proposed, which aims to enhance efficiency within the local government framework.
In summary, the administrative restructuring efforts in Hanoi and Vinh Phuc province represent a significant shift in Vietnam's governance approach, aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of citizens. As these changes unfold, they are expected to create new opportunities for socio-economic development and foster a more effective local governance structure.
