The Ministry of Home Affairs has submitted a proposal to the Government regarding the reorganization of provincial-level administrative units in 2025. This significant project aims to streamline the administrative framework across Vietnam, ensuring that all newly formed units meet established standards.
According to the Ministry, all 23 provincial-level administrative units created through this reorganization have successfully met the criteria outlined in Article 4 of Resolution No. 76/2025/UBTVQH15. Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra officially signed the document detailing these arrangements, marking a crucial step towards enhancing governance.
The proposal is grounded in several key resolutions, including Resolution No. 60-NQ/TW from the 11th Central Conference of the XIII term and the aforementioned Resolution No. 76. The People’s Committees of 23 provinces and cities have collaborated with relevant localities to compile 23 project dossiers aimed at merging a total of 52 provincial-level units.
The draft project identifies four centrally-run cities: Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho, along with 48 provinces that will undergo restructuring. Notably, there are 11 provinces that will not be reorganized, including ten that meet the necessary standards—Hanoi, Hue, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh. Additionally, Cao Bang, which has unique characteristics, will also remain unchanged.
After the reorganization, Vietnam will consist of 34 provincial-level administrative units, including six centrally-run cities and 28 provinces. The newly formed units will be allocated a total of 937,935 staff members, encompassing 37,447 officials, 130,705 civil servants, and 769,783 public employees. Importantly, the number of officials and civil servants post-reorganization will not exceed the total prior to the changes.
The Ministry has outlined 23 specific plans for the merging of these administrative units. For instance, Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang will be combined into a new province named Tuyen Quang, which will encompass an area of 13,795.50 km² and a population of 1,865,270. Similarly, Yên Bái and Lào Cai will merge to form a new province called Lào Cai, with a total area of 13,256.92 km² and a population of 1,778,785.
Other notable mergers include the combination of Bắc Kạn and Thái Nguyên into a new province named Thái Nguyên, which will have an area of 8,375.21 km² and a population of 1,799,489. Furthermore, Vĩnh Phúc, Hòa Bình, and Phú Thọ will unite to create Phú Thọ province, covering 9,361.38 km² with a population of 4,022,638.
These mergers aim to enhance administrative efficiency and improve the delivery of public services. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of governance throughout this transition. For example, the organizational structures of the Party and government will be consolidated to ensure a streamlined approach to administration.
Each newly formed provincial unit will have a designated political-administrative center, which will be located in the current capital of the merging provinces. For instance, the new province of Bắc Ninh will have its administrative center in Bắc Giang, while the new province of Hưng Yên will center its administration in Hưng Yên city.
The proposed changes have received overwhelming support from the public, with an average consensus rate of 96.19% across the nation. All local People's Councils have voted in favor of the restructuring, reflecting a strong commitment to improving governance and administrative efficiency.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also indicated that the reorganization will involve the establishment of new governance structures within the affected provinces. For instance, the newly formed People's Councils will be tasked with creating committees focused on legal, economic, cultural, and social issues, ensuring that local governance remains responsive to the needs of residents.
In addition to merging administrative units, the plan includes provisions for the streamlining of public services. The Ministry has outlined that public health and education services will remain intact, while other public service units will be adjusted according to the new administrative framework.
As Vietnam moves forward with this ambitious reorganization, the focus remains on ensuring that all administrative units are equipped to meet the challenges of governance in the 21st century. The Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to overseeing the implementation of these changes, ensuring that they align with national development goals.
In conclusion, the proposed reorganization of provincial-level administrative units represents a significant shift in Vietnam's governance landscape. By consolidating resources and enhancing administrative efficiency, the government aims to create a more effective and responsive system of public service delivery.
