The Vietnamese government is making strides to reform its administrative structure, focusing on efficiency and the streamlining of processes. Recent discussions have centered on the potential removal of district-level administrative units, effectively simplifying the hierarchy of governance from province straight to commune. This is outlined within the framework of ensuring the continuous operation of public services without disruptive overlaps.
One of the key players in this initiative is the National Assembly, as evidenced by the recent passing of Resolution No. 190/2025/QH15. This resolution, signed by the Chairman of the National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man, emphasizes operational fluency and intends to prevent any disruptions during the transition period. "The resolution aims to prevent interruption and overlap of duties, ensuring smooth operations for agencies," said Man during the announcement of the resolution.
A significant shift is anticipated if these reforms come to fruition. The discussion around eliminating the district level of governance has drawn attention from various officials, including former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Nguyen Tien Dinh. He expressed his belief stating, "Eliminated district levels will streamline processes directly from the provincial level to communes." The rationale behind this approach is to eliminate the bureaucratic delays often encountered due to excess layers of governance, which can hinder effective policy implementation.
The Vietnamese Political Bureau has been actively working to address the operational challenges presented by this proposed restructuring. With the nation currently comprising of 696 administrative districts, the plan involves careful consideration and preparation to transition these responsibilities to regional and local authorities.
Through previous administrative restructuring efforts from 2019 to 2025, the government has gleaned experience on how to facilitate the transition without disrupting service delivery to the citizens and businesses alike. Dinh emphasized the urgency of this change, noting the challenges of the current system where the district layer complicates the execution of policies. "Not only does this cause delays, but it can also create blocks due to miscommunication or misimplementation at the district level," he remarked.
The shift also aims to create larger operational spaces for economic and social development, free from the constraints of district-level governance. "This change will create larger spaces for economic and social development," highlighted GS. TS. Tran Ngoc Duong, member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front. By removing this middle tier, the government anticipates more direct communication and action between provincial authorities and local communities.
This alignment is seen as part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to effectively manage its governance structures through clearer lines of authority and efficient operational capabilities. A significant component of this proposal includes enhancing the skills and capabilities of local government officials to meet higher expectations of service and governance.
Dinh underscored the necessity of preparing the commune level adequately by ensuring resources and training are available to local officials, making them capable and ready to meet new challenges. "We need to strengthen the quality and resources necessary for local governance to meet the increasing demands," he stated, underlining the importance of investment at the grassroots as the district level is streamlined.
To facilitate this transition, comprehensive reforms to public administration laws and work processes will be necessary. Preparations are underway with proposed amendments to the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants, advocating for equality among civil servants at different administrative levels. "We need to create common standards across provincial and commune levels to unify our civil service," Dinh pointed out.
These administrative reforms represent the Vietnamese government's commitment to fostering more efficient, transparent governance and ensuring enhanced public service delivery. By tackling one of the key impediments within the current structure—bureaucratic complexity—the country hopes to pave the way for broader socio-economic development, leading to improved living standards for its citizens.
Overall, these changes signify more than just structural adjustments; they reflect Vietnam's aspirations to modernize its governance and respond adeptly to the demands of contemporary society.