In a significant shift in administrative governance, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a temporary halt to the submission of plans for the reorganization and establishment of district and commune-level administrative units throughout Vietnam. This decision affects previously established frameworks outlined in Resolutions 1211 of 2016, 27 of 2022, and recently, Resolution 35 of 2023 by the National Assembly Standing Committee.
In a correspondence addressed to the People's Committees of provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government, the Ministry emphasized that the pause is necessary to regroup and develop a more efficient organizational structure. This move comes as the country grapples with the logistics of merging certain provincial units while abolishing the district level, following the guidance from the Central Committee’s Conclusion 127.
As confirmed by Mr. Phan Trung Tuan, Director of Local Government at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ongoing tasks related to the merger of provincial and commune-level administrative units are proceeding as planned. He remarked, “These works are being carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs and central and local agencies with a spirit of urgency and thoroughness.”
The National Assembly Standing Committee's Resolution 35 has set out by the end of 2030, the guidelines for arranging administrative units at both district and commune levels. Specifically, the criteria dictate that multiple administrative units may need restructuring if they fall below 70% of standard population and area thresholds stipulated in earlier resolutions.
Amongst the conditions defined by Resolution 1211, for mountainous districts and communes, the minimum population and area are delineated—mountainous districts must maintain at least 80,000 residents and span over 850 km², while their counterparts in delta areas must fulfill respective population and area requirements as well. The consolidation plan will include administrative units with less than 300% of the population or area norms.
On March 20, 2025, the Central Steering Committee released a new plan advocating a reorganization to enhance the effectiveness of the political system, aligning with intended modifications ahead of the upcoming Central Committee sessions. The aim is to simplify governance structures while ensuring enhanced accountability and efficiency.
Subsequently, according to the anticipated timeline, the various stages of this plan are tightly scheduled. On March 25, the Government Party Committee will present a comprehensive report to the Politburo seeking approval for the proposed changes to local governance models. Then, on April 1, this initiative will be further reviewed with the Central Government.
As the proposals continue, Mr. Tuan elaborated that various localities are already cultivating specific merger plans to ensure the continuity of governmental functions while eliminating the district tier. He noted the critical pathway leading to significant milestones, which include clarifying procedural regulations for merging many administrative units and determining district functionalities.
Meanwhile, it’s crucial to note that the Ministry of Home Affairs has requested a temporary cessation on administrative classification activities until a new framework is established, which will also encompass mappings of administrative boundaries per the review requirements set forth in Project 513.
This pause on administrative arrangements indicates a fundamental shift towards a two-tier governmental model aimed to enhance the clarity and functionality within local governance. Mr. Tuan reiterated, “We are pushing ahead, ensuring that all local administrative units are aligned with the new policies being defined.”
In the foreseen timeline, if the National Assembly and subsequent governing bodies endorse these changes, by June 30, 2025, a resolution to merge certain districts will be approved, transitioning towards a more streamlined structure by July 1, 2025.
As Vietnam navigates these critical reforms, all efforts focus on maximizing governance efficiency, vital for responding to the growing complexities of local administration. The Ministry is committed to recalibrating administrative measures to better serve the local populace while meeting national administrative standards.
In summarizing the urgency and focus of these tasks, Mr. Tuan emphasized that the localities must align with the new directives—an indication that the transition period ahead will be closely monitored and duly assessed to ensure compliant restructuring within all affected areas.
