On April 28, 2025, significant changes to administrative units in Vietnam were discussed and approved during specialized sessions held by various provincial councils, including those of Ha Nam and Quang Ninh. These decisions, aimed at streamlining governance and enhancing administrative efficiency, reflect a broader national strategy to consolidate local government structures.
In Ha Nam province, the People's Council convened its 26th special meeting to address the arrangement of administrative units at both provincial and commune levels. The proposal to merge three provinces—Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh—into a single administrative unit named Ninh Binh was a focal point of the discussions. This consolidation aims to expand development space, strengthen regional connectivity, mobilize resources more effectively, and meet the demands of national development in a new era.
The restructuring plan also includes reorganizing 98 commune-level administrative units, which currently comprise 65 communes, 29 wards, and 4 towns, into just 33 units, consisting of 16 wards and 17 communes. This move is expected to reduce the number of administrative units by over 66%, thereby streamlining the local government apparatus and enhancing operational efficiency.
Bí thư Tỉnh ủy, Chủ tịch UBND tỉnh Hà Nam Trương Quốc Huy emphasized the significance of this merger, stating, "The merger will create a more robust administrative structure that can respond effectively to the challenges of development and governance." The council's decision was met with broad support, and all four resolutions presented were passed unanimously.
In Quang Ninh province, a similar restructuring initiative was approved during the 26th session of the People's Council. The council agreed to reduce the number of commune-level administrative units from 171 to 51, which includes 27 wards, 21 communes, and 3 special zones (Van Don, Co To, Mong Cai). This reduction, achieving a rate of 70.17%, is part of efforts to streamline operations and enhance governance efficiency.
Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh People's Council, Trịnh Thị Minh Thanh, urged the provincial government to expedite the completion of the administrative restructuring proposal to ensure timely submission to the central government before May 1, 2025. "This restructuring is crucial for improving the effectiveness of local governance and ensuring stability in administrative operations following the changes," she noted.
Meanwhile, in Vinh Loc district, the People's Council convened its 27th session on April 27, 2025, to discuss adjustments to the names of newly formed communes following administrative reorganization. The approval rate from voters for the new naming scheme reached an impressive 93.2%. The new administrative units include Vinh Loc commune (formerly Vinh Loc 1), Tay Do commune (formerly Vinh Loc 2), and Bien Thuong commune (formerly Vinh Loc 3).
These administrative changes are not merely bureaucratic. They are seen as necessary steps towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of local governance, which is essential for meeting the evolving needs of the population and the economy. The goal is to create a streamlined government that can operate more effectively in the face of modern challenges.
As part of the ongoing reforms, the Nam Dinh provincial government is also working on a comprehensive plan for restructuring commune-level administrative units in 2025. This plan is aligned with national policies aimed at modernizing local governance and ensuring it is fit for purpose in a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape.
According to the proposed plan, Nam Dinh will see a significant reduction in the number of commune-level administrative units, which have historically been fragmented. This fragmentation has led to inefficiencies and a lack of coordination among local government entities, prompting the need for a more consolidated approach.
The restructuring plan aims not only to reduce the number of administrative units but also to enhance the quality of governance by improving resource allocation and administrative efficiency. The provincial government is focused on ensuring that these changes do not disrupt services to the public or the functioning of local businesses.
In summary, the administrative restructuring efforts in Ha Nam, Quang Ninh, and Nam Dinh provinces represent a significant shift in Vietnam's approach to local governance. By consolidating administrative units, these provinces aim to create more efficient and effective government structures capable of meeting the demands of modern governance and development.
As Vietnam continues to evolve, these changes reflect a commitment to improving governance and enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens. The successful implementation of these plans will be crucial in determining the future effectiveness of local governments across the country.
