The Vietnamese government's initiative to streamline administrative units is shaping up to be a significant undertaking, potentially affecting nearly 10,000 local administrative entities across the country. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the proposal aims to restructure both provincial and commune-level administrative units in a move aligned with guidelines from the Politburo.
As of March 26, 2025, the draft resolution stipulates that documents issued prior to the administrative adjustments will remain valid until they expire. This provision is designed to ease the transition for citizens and organizations affected by the changes.
Under this proposal, the Vietnamese government will maintain 11 administrative units at the provincial level, which will not undergo merging. These units include major cities and provinces such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which have been deemed essential for national governance and societal stability.
In stark contrast, 52 other administrative units are slated for restructuring—there are four cities: Hai Phong, Da Nang, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City; and 48 provinces. The aim is to enhance efficiency and responsiveness at local governance levels, which is increasingly necessary in a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape.
The Ministry of Justice is involved in reviewing the draft resolution. This process aligns with the government's goal to complete the reorganization of these units by June 30, 2025. The resolution points out that certain criteria must be adhered to during the rearrangement of administrative units. Specifically, six factors have been established: land area, population size, historical and cultural significance, economic geography, geopolitical factors, and national defense considerations.
Importantly, the draft makes exceptions for administrative units that are isolated, difficult to connect with transportation networks, or possess unique importance to the nation’s security and territorial integrity. Therefore, any units fitting these descriptions will not be subjected to restructuring, allowing for continuity in governance where it's most needed.
The proposed changes will facilitate the conversion of administrative documents for individuals and organizations, and no fees will be charged during this transition. As noted in the draft, the Provincial People’s Committees will have the responsibility to manage and oversee public consultations, gathering opinions from residents living in the restructured areas within a maximum of five working days after feedback collection.
According to these guidelines, after the restructuring, it's expected that about 9,996 out of 10,035 commune-level administrative units will be affected. This suggests a dramatic reduction in the total number of these entities, creating smaller, more manageable units that can improve local governance and responsiveness.
Following the implementation of these new arrangements, a further goal includes achieving a 70-75% reduction in the total number of commune-level units compared to before. This aims to ensure that administrative functions become more streamlined, integrated, and conducive to effective governance.
The draft resolution also emphasizes the importance of historical and cultural continuity when renaming administrative units post-merger. This aspect reflects the government’s commitment to honoring local identities within a more efficient administrative structure. Ministries and agencies have been encouraged to ensure that any new names are easily distinguished, recognizable, and steeped in local tradition.
As part of this progressive strategy, it is foreseen that if multiple commune units are merged into one, there will be less stringent requirements regarding their geographical characteristics and population. This is a significant step toward simplifying administrative processes and allowing the government to fulfill its promise of efficient governance.
Overall, the intention of these reforms extends beyond mere restructuring; they aim to foster a more engaged, efficient, and accountable local government capable of meeting modern challenges. As the country's landscape changes, the Vietnamese government positions itself to adapt through administrative reform, a process keenly watched by citizens and officials alike as they await the benefits of a more streamlined system.
In conclusion, Vietnam's administrative unit arrangement proposals represent a crucial phase in enhancing the efficiency of local governance, a necessary endeavor for a nation eager to progress and respond to citizens' needs. With a clear roadmap towards completion by mid-2025, the impacts of these changes will be felt across the country as local authorities engage with citizens to refine these efforts and ensure effective administration.
