In a significant move aimed at reshaping the administrative landscape in Vietnam, the government is preparing to reorganize its provincial-level units by removing district-level governance and merging various communes and wards. This plan has been described as unprecedented in the country’s history, and it is proposed to create a more efficient and streamlined bureaucratic system.
According to GS.TSKH Vũ Minh Giang, a prominent figure in this initiative, Vietnam has previously experienced periods with just over 30 provincial-level units directly under the central government. "Thus, the reduction in the number of provinces is not something novel." He outlined the proposed changes during a recent discussion, emphasizing that the importance lies not just in administrative efficiency but also in fostering economic development.
General Secretary Tô Lâm has reiterated that this merging process is not merely about readjusting administrative boundaries, but about creating a fresh economic space conducive to sustainable growth. This perspective highlights a strategic vision that transcends simple numerical reductions.
Examples of potential mergers include the combination of Hải Dương and Hải Phòng, where the agricultural strengths of Hải Dương could complement the industrial capabilities of Hải Phòng’s port city. Such synergies could results in enhanced value generation, benefitting both areas and contributing to national development.
Vũ Minh Giang stressed the need for careful consideration when merging provinces. He explained that simply merging provinces with similar characteristics would not yield significant benefits. Instead, it is crucial to assess how each region can support and enhance the other, incorporating aspects like economic diversity and cultural richness.
He elaborated, "For instance, if we merge two mountainous provinces with many similarities, the resulting entity may struggle to leverage its potential effectively." His focus on diversity is echoed by numerous experts advocating for a broader perspective when planning these administrative adjustments.
At the same time, practical concerns arise from merging known and culturally significant names of provinces. As regions are combined, significant changes to names and administrative titles will inevitably occur. Vũ Minh Giang suggested that retaining the names of significant provinces when merging would minimize confusion and preserve historical significance. For example, if Bắc Ninh, known for its heritage, merges with Bắc Giang, the merger would ideally retain the Bắc Ninh name.
The emotional attachment to place names among residents is also crucial in this discussion. Many local citizens feel a deep connection to their hometowns, and changes like this could stir feelings of loss. However, Vũ Minh Giang urged looking at the bigger picture, fostering a national pride that extends beyond geographical boundaries.
He exemplified this sentiment using the case of Hà Tây, which retained its cultural identity even after being merged into Hanoi. The cultural heritage remained intact, showing that while administrative structures may change, the essence of local identity endures.
In discussions of further consolidating provinces, the focus may include reinforcing urban hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City, which is suggested to expand by merging with neighboring economic powerhouses like Bình Dương and Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu. Such expansions could enhance economic clusters by pooling resources and capabilities, fostering sustainable urban growth.
However, potential obstacles also surface; there are concerns about cultural disparities between regions. For instance, merging Central Highlands provinces with coastal regions raises fears of cultural friction. Vũ Minh Giang noted that previous attempts to consolidate provinces with similar conditions had already failed to produce meaningful results. Addressing this, he affirmed, "The diversity we have is an asset that many countries desire to possess. It should not be seen as a complicating factor but rather as a unique advantage for Vietnam."
This perspective emphasizes that maintaining a varied cultural landscape enriches national identity. With discussions still in their earlier phases, expert opinions highlight the importance of thoughtful planning to balance administrative efficiency with cultural considerations.
On the administrative side, the need for efficient governance structures remains paramount. Recent meetings in Trà Vinh, chaired by Ngô Chí Cường, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, have begun outlining plans for merging commune-level administrative units. Cường has called for engagement from district committees and local authorities to forge consensus in executing these plans effectively.
This grassroots involvement appears crucial for legitimizing the changes and ensuring that diverse viewpoints are considered in the development of new administrative strategies. Cường emphasized the need to carefully develop criteria for placing new political and administrative centers, considering geographic, economic, and cultural factors in the decision-making process.
As Vietnam takes this historical step toward restructuring its administrative framework, the emphasis on collaboration, strategic vision, and economic integration is likely to lead to a new era of governance. The relevant authorities face the task of implementing these changes thoughtfully and sensitively to enhance both the nation's administrative efficiency and cultural identity.
The government's reform is a bold move, raising profound questions about identity, governance, and regional development. One thing is clear: as Vietnam progresses into the future, how it merges its past and present will define its trajectory in the global arena.
