Following administrative restructuring, Quang Ninh is expected to have 27 wards, 21 communes, and 3 special administrative zones. Authorities are also considering using district-level names for newly merged central communes.

Today, the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Executive Committee held its 68th session to review proposals on reorganizing commune-level administrative units.

According to the proposed plan submitted to the central government, Quang Ninh will consolidate its 171 commune-level units into 51. Specifically, 145 communes will be merged into 48, reducing the number by 97 units, or 66.9%. Additionally, 26 units will be restructured into 3 special administrative zones. As a result, the province would have 27 wards, 21 communes, and 3 special zones after the restructuring.

In the event only 2 special administrative zones are approved, the province will restructure into 54 units: 30 wards, 22 communes, and 2 special zones.

During the conference, delegates expressed strong support for the proposed commune-level restructuring and discussed the naming of new administrative units, their boundaries, and upcoming implementation steps.

Preserving historic names and cultural identity

In his concluding remarks, Quang Ninh Party Secretary Vu Dai Thang requested that, based on the plan approved by the provincial executive committee, local Party committees continue discussions and reach a consensus on naming the new commune-level units after the mergers. Public consultation will follow.

He also recommended that, when choosing names for newly merged central communes, local authorities consider adopting the name of the corresponding district-level administrative unit.

Priority should be given to names with historical value, well-known cultural or tourist landmarks, or names of one of the existing communes or wards before the merger.

Based on feedback from localities, the provincial steering committee will finalize the proposal and submit it to the central government.

Secretary Vu Dai Thang further urged localities to strengthen communication and outreach efforts to build consensus among officials, Party members, and residents. He also called for immediate preparation for the upcoming commune-level Party Congresses to ensure they can be held promptly after the new two-tier local governance model takes effect on July 1.

Pham Cong