On April 18, 2025, significant administrative changes are underway in Vietnam as local governments begin to streamline their structures in response to directives from the central government. In Hanoi, the Chairman of the People’s Committee, Tran Sy Thanh, engaged with voters from the Me Linh and Soc Son districts, discussing the upcoming adjustments aimed at enhancing governance efficiency.
During the meeting, Chairman Thanh revealed that the recent 11th Central Conference has mandated a drastic reduction in the number of communes and wards across the nation. Currently, Vietnam has over 10,000 communes, but this number is set to decrease to approximately 3,000, representing a reduction of about 60-70%. "This is a major decision that aligns with our goal of achieving 8% growth in 2025 and double-digit growth in subsequent years," Thanh stated.
He emphasized the need for reforming the administrative structure, noting that the General Secretary, To Lam, has identified institutional barriers as a significant hindrance to progress. "We need to create a more open and superior institutional framework compared to other countries, which will drive development," Thanh said. He highlighted the commitment to amend laws with a focus on decentralization and clear delegation of authority, moving away from the previous restrictive mindset.
In Hanoi, the city has already taken proactive steps since 2017 to implement Resolution 18, which aims to optimize the administrative apparatus. "We have conducted four rounds of assessments and have made substantial progress in reducing redundancies within various departments," he noted. The Chairman pointed out that the recent establishment of a streamlined process for administrative tasks has significantly accelerated operations, allowing city leaders to keep pace with the demands of governance.
On the same day, the city planned to convene a meeting to finalize the number and names of remaining communes and wards in Soc Son and Me Linh. This meeting is crucial as it sets the foundation for public consultations and the subsequent inventory of assets and personnel, which will be reported to higher authorities for approval.
In terms of staffing, Thanh indicated that new leadership appointments for the restructured administrative units would be made immediately, with a return to local elections expected by 2030. "Given the urgency of this process, we cannot afford any delays that might affect citizens and businesses," he stressed. As for redundant staff, he mentioned that the central government has instructed local authorities to merge positions initially, with a gradual reduction planned over the next five years.
Meanwhile, in Cao Lanh City, located in Dong Thap province, local officials commenced collecting public opinions regarding the merger of communes and wards on the same day. The city currently comprises 13 administrative units, including seven wards and six communes. Following the merger, it is expected that only three wards will remain: Cao Lanh, My Tra, and My Ngai.
Officials are actively engaging with households to gather feedback on the proposed changes, utilizing surveys that ask residents whether they agree with the mergers or have alternative suggestions. The planned mergers will consolidate several existing wards and communes into the new administrative units, significantly reducing the total number of local governance entities.
According to the draft proposal for the restructuring of administrative units in Dong Thap, the province will see a decrease from 141 to 45 communes and wards, a reduction of 68.09%. The current population of Dong Thap is approximately 2.1 million, spread over a natural area of 3,382.26 km². The restructuring aims to enhance administrative efficiency while ensuring that the new units are manageable and responsive to local needs.
For instance, in Tan Hong District, four communes will remain: Tan Hong, Tan Thanh, Tan Ho Co, and An Phuoc. Similarly, in Hong Ngu District, three communes will be retained: Thuong Phuoc, Long Khanh, and Long Phu Thuan. This reorganization reflects a broader trend across the country to create administrative units that are neither too large nor too small, thereby ensuring they remain close to the populace.
In addition to adjusting the number of administrative units, the plan includes determining new names for the merged wards and communes, often reflecting the names of the districts or cities they are part of. For example, the new Cao Lanh Ward will encompass several existing wards and communes, streamlining governance and improving local engagement.
As these changes unfold, officials are tasked with ensuring that the restructuring process is transparent and inclusive, allowing community voices to be heard and considered. The emphasis is on maintaining a governance structure that is not only efficient but also deeply connected to the citizens it serves.
Both Hanoi and Dong Thap are setting a precedent for administrative reform in Vietnam, aiming to create a more efficient and responsive local governance system. The success of these initiatives will likely depend on effective communication with citizens and the ability to adapt to their needs while implementing these significant changes.
As Vietnam moves forward with these ambitious plans, the outcomes of these restructurings will be closely watched, as they may serve as a model for other regions seeking to enhance their administrative effectiveness and foster economic growth.
