Hochiminh City (HCMC) is forging ahead with plans to streamline its administrative structures, emphasizing the need to improve service quality for its citizens and businesses. The recent public program, "People Ask - Government Answers," serves as a cornerstone of this initiative, addressing public concerns about the recent reorganization.
The HCMC People's Council, collaborating with HCMC Television Station, hosted the inaugural program of March 2025 focused on "Streamlining the Organization of the Apparatus - Improving the Quality of Service to People and Businesses." This program highlighted the feedback from citizens who recognize the importance of efficient public service delivery and the government's commitment to operational stability during this transition.
Since March 1, 2025, HCMC has officially completed the arrangement of its organizational structure, which includes specialized agencies along with administrative units from the city level down to the district and commune levels. Current preparations are underway for the next phase, which includes implementing the Central Government's directive to continue restructuring various provinces and cities, with plans to eliminate the district-level organization and revise administrative units.
"We are eager to establish operational stability post-restructuring," said Nguyen Bac Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Home Affairs. "Our goal is to facilitate uninterrupted service delivery as we adapt to these changes." To support this objective, the city is pursuing drafts and plans for effective implementation, ensuring readiness for any administrative shifts.
The transition also entails training initiatives. By the end of 2025, HCMC aims to train approximately 32,000 officials and civil servants. This training will encompass both domestic and international opportunities, focusing on enhancing capabilities to meet the increasing demands of the public.
Responding to inquiries from citizens about potential changes to their official documents post-merger of administrative units, Dinh Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Chief of the Office of the People’s Committee of HCMC, confirmed, "Adjustments to documents are not mandatory if they remain valid and unchanged by official authorities." This means residents will not have to alter their paperwork unnecessarily, which has brought some relief amid the restructuring.
The city has successfully merged three key agencies: the Department of Planning and Investment, the Department of Finance, and the Enterprise Management Innovation Committee. This strategic consolidation aims to facilitate interconnected operations and improve efficiency.
Streamlining of Procedures and Transparency
Thuy emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency during these changes. Immediate steps have been taken to publicize the administrative procedures to avoid service disruption. This information is readily accessible on municipal websites and through other communication channels, including social media platforms and public postings at government offices.
The newly integrated entities are equipped to handle administrative tasks effectively without interruptions. Thuy reassured businesses and residents alike, asserting, "The processing of administrative formalities is consistent and reliable, ensuring no gaps during the transition phase."
One pressing concern among the public is how these structural changes will affect their land use rights. Nguyen Xuan Tien, Head of the Technical Department of the Land Registration Office, clarified, "Existing land use and ownership documents will retain their legal validity. Our system will be updated to reflect any new administrative changes without prolonging processing times for land-related requests." This assurance aims to safeguard residents' interests during the administrative overhaul.
Looking toward the future, HCMC is investing significantly in digital transformation. Plans have been laid out for the continued development of artificial intelligence applications aimed at streamlining public service delivery from 2020 through 2030. The city is set to launch virtual assistant applications to aid officials quickly assess records and improve decision-making processes.
Võ Thi Trung Trinh, Director of the Center for Digital Transformation, noted, "Our virtual assistant will simplify the experience for both civil servants and the public, ensuring more efficient handling of electronic documents and requests," enhancing user experience for residents initiating administrative procedures.
Importantly, these initiatives are carefully aligned with ensuring the protection of citizens' data and privacy, fostering confidence among the public as they navigate the transition.
Continuous Engagement with the Public
To facilitate impactful transitions, the HCMC People's Council has underlined the importance of consistent engagement with citizens throughout the restructuring process. Council member Pham Quynh Anh has encouraged officials to adhere strictly to the directives laid out by the Central Committee to maintain operational continuity across all governmental functions.
"We must strive to maintain uninterrupted operations for governmental organizations during this restructuring—it's imperative for the stability of both the government and the community," stated Anh. This approach reflects the council's commitment to not only uphold productivity during changes but also to actively communicate any procedural shifts to the public effectively.
Support for the digital evolution and commitment to providing clear guidance to the public is pivotal. HCMC's government is heavily investing resources to sustain the transition process, prioritizing digital solutions to meet modern needs, and establishing frameworks to optimize service delivery quality.
The road to implementing structural changes is complex, yet the city's officials assure all measures taken are aimed at fostering improved governmental efficiency and adapting to the growing service demands. Streamlining administrative processes not only enhances functional effectiveness but also enhances the interaction between governance and its citizens.
While the transition is marked by necessary adjustments and the integration of new technologies, the overarching objective remains clear: to create responsive and accountable governance for the people of HCMC.
