In a significant move towards administrative reform, the Vietnamese government is proposing a restructuring of provincial and commune-level administrative units, which could see 52 provinces and cities merge while 11 others remain unchanged. This initiative, aimed at enhancing governance and development, was discussed at a seminar organized by the Dan Tri newspaper on April 10, 2025.
Phan Trung Tuấn, Director of the Department of Local Government under the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted that the expansion of development space is a critical criterion guiding this adjustment. He stated, "From the orientation in Conclusion 127 of the Politburo, expanding development space is a major criterion applied to this province and city adjustment." This restructuring is part of a long-term strategy to optimize the administrative framework in Vietnam.
The draft resolution, which is currently under review by relevant authorities, outlines the criteria for merging administrative units. It emphasizes factors such as natural area, population size, historical and cultural significance, economic geography, political geography, and national defense. According to the draft, 52 provinces and cities are identified for potential merger, while 11 provinces, including Hà Nội, Thanh Hóa, and Nghệ An, have been proposed to remain intact due to their significant development potential.
Tran Ngoc Chinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, stressed the importance of considering development space in the merger process. He noted, "The merger must take into account the factor of development space, including space for agriculture, industry, services, and especially marine space." Currently, only 28 out of Vietnam's 63 provinces and cities have access to the sea, which is a crucial aspect of the country's economic strategy.
The proposed list of 52 provinces slated for restructuring includes major cities like Hải Phòng, Hồ Chí Minh City, Đà Nẵng, and Cần Thơ, along with 48 provinces such as Hà Nam, Hưng Yên, and Vĩnh Phúc. The 11 provinces that are not subject to merger include prominent regions known for their historical and cultural significance, such as Huế and Lạng Sơn.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set a deadline for the completion of these administrative changes by June 30, 2025. This timeline aims to streamline local government structures and enhance their effectiveness. The draft resolution also proposes that when merging a province with another province, the new administrative unit will retain the provincial designation, whereas a merger between a province and a centrally-run city will result in a centrally-run city.
Phan Trung Tuấn further explained that the criteria for determining which units to merge include not only geographic and demographic considerations but also the historical and cultural contexts of the regions involved. He remarked, "The two provinces Nghe An and Thanh Hoa can be likened to 'miniature Vietnam' with a full range of mountains, plains, coastal areas, borders, airports, seaports, roads, and highways." This analogy highlights their diverse geographic and economic profiles, which contribute to their decision to remain separate.
The draft resolution also emphasizes the need for public consultation regarding these changes. The Ministry of Home Affairs insists that the opinions of local citizens must be considered before finalizing any decisions. The project file for each proposed merger must include public feedback, reports from local councils, and relevant maps detailing the current and proposed administrative boundaries.
In addition to the structural changes, the draft resolution outlines the future of civil servants and public employees within the newly formed administrative units. It proposes that the number of civil servants in the new units should not exceed the total number currently employed in the existing units. Furthermore, the salaries and allowances for these officials will be preserved for six months post-merger, after which new regulations will apply.
The restructuring of administrative units is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of governance in Vietnam, allowing for better resource allocation and improved public services. The government aims to maximize the potential of each locality, ensuring that the new administrative configurations align with the country's long-term development goals.
As discussions continue, stakeholders are keenly observing how these changes will impact local governance and economic development across Vietnam. The proposed mergers could reshape the administrative landscape, creating larger, more cohesive units that are better equipped to tackle the challenges of modern governance.
The Ministry of Home Affairs' initiative reflects a broader trend in many countries towards optimizing governance structures to meet the demands of contemporary society. By carefully considering factors such as geography, culture, and economic potential, Vietnam is taking a thoughtful approach to administrative reform that could serve as a model for other nations.
In conclusion, the proposed restructuring of Vietnam's provincial and commune-level units marks a significant step towards enhancing local governance and economic development. As the government moves forward with this initiative, the focus will remain on creating administrative units that are not only efficient but also reflective of the diverse needs and characteristics of the regions they serve.
