The National Assembly Standing Committee has proposed a draft resolution to restructure administrative units, aiming to merge 52 provincial-level administrative units across the country. Of these, 34 are located in the Central and Southern regions.

Among the Southern provinces, all 19 are included in the proposed merger. In contrast, the Central region has four provinces exempt from the merger: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Hue.

The primary goal of this merger is to promote national development and expand development space for the new administrative units. It also aims to leverage the leadership role of economic hubs and growth corridors while enhancing regional economic connectivity.

Priority will be given to merging mountainous and lowland administrative units with coastal areas. The goal is to harmonize adjacent units in line with regional development strategies, fostering economic synergy and sustainable growth.

New administrative centers will be established based on their strategic geographic location, comprehensive economic and social infrastructure, especially transportation networks such as airports, highways, and seaports.

These centers should have future expansion potential, align with socio-economic development goals, and maintain a balance between localities while ensuring national defense and security.

The proposed merger plan outlines the establishment of new political-administrative centers that not only support economic development but also balance regional growth, avoiding disproportionate resource allocation between localities.

In the Central region, 15 provinces are slated for merger, excluding Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Hue. The provinces proposed for merger in the North Central region include Quang Binh and Quang Tri.

Quang Binh covers an area of 7,998 square kilometers with a population of over 900,000, featuring a coastline of 116 kilometers. It is renowned for stunning beaches like Nhat Le and breathtaking caves such as Son Doong, the world’s largest cave.

The local economy primarily focuses on agriculture, aquaculture, and tourism, while mining and processing industries are also significant contributors.

Quang Tri, with an area of 4,701 square kilometers and over 600,000 residents, has a diverse economy including agriculture, food processing, mineral extraction, and historical tourism.

In the South Central Coast region, the provinces proposed for merger include Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan.

This region plays a crucial strategic role in economic development and international trade, boasting long coastlines, picturesque bays, and abundant natural resources.

Coastal provinces such as Khanh Hoa and Binh Thuan are well-known for tourism destinations like Nha Trang and Mui Ne.

In the Central Highlands, proposed mergers include Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Lam Dong. Known for its expansive plateaus and fertile soil, the region is vital for Vietnam’s agricultural output, particularly coffee, rubber, and pepper. The area’s ethnic diversity also contributes to a rich cultural heritage.

In the Southern region, the merger proposal includes all 19 provinces and cities, with the Southeast region comprising Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh.

This area, adjacent to both the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta, serves as the nation’s industrial and economic powerhouse, contributing significantly to the GDP.

The Mekong Delta, which encompasses 13 provinces including Can Tho, Long An, Tien Giang, and An Giang, is the country’s primary rice and aquaculture hub, essential for national food security and agricultural exports.

As the proposed merger plan moves forward, authorities will ensure that socio-economic growth aligns with sustainable development while minimizing disruptions to local communities.

Nguyen Thao