This proposal, part of an effort to streamline governance, is being finalized for submission to higher authorities.

On March 11, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting of the Government Party Committee Standing Board to refine the Proposal for Administrative Reorganization and the Two-Tier Local Government Model. This restructuring aligns with directives from the Politburo’s Conclusions No. 126 and No. 127 issued in February 2025.

Currently, Vietnam has 63 provinces and cities, 696 district-level administrative units, and 10,035 commune-level administrative units. Under the proposed restructuring, these numbers would be significantly reduced, leading to a more streamlined and efficient governance system.

The proposed two-tier local government model will consist of:

Provincial level, including centrally governed cities and provinces

Grassroots level, consolidating smaller administrative units into larger, more efficient entities

Ensuring a well-balanced restructuring process

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the majority of public opinion supports the government’s efforts to reorganize administrative units. With improved digital infrastructure and evolving socio-economic dynamics, he believes this restructuring will create new growth opportunities for localities.

However, he stressed that administrative restructuring must be guided by multiple factors beyond population size and geographical area, including:

Historical and cultural significance

Ethnic composition and social identity

Economic development and infrastructure

Geopolitical and national security considerations

He also highlighted the importance of continuity in naming administrative units and selecting appropriate locations for new political and administrative centers. These choices must take into account historical relevance, geographical advantages, infrastructure connectivity, and strategic development potential.

Strengthening local governance and citizen engagement

One of the key goals of the restructuring is to empower local governments, enhancing their ability to self-govern, innovate, and better serve the public. The new model aims to:

Bring government closer to the people, ensuring faster and more efficient public services

Reduce bureaucratic layers, making governance more transparent and cost-effective

Improve socio-economic conditions, ultimately increasing citizen well-being and satisfaction

Prime Minister Chinh reiterated that the success of the restructuring depends on public support, urging authorities at all levels to ensure that people’s interests remain the top priority.

The finalized proposal will soon be submitted to the Politburo and the National Assembly for review and approval. If implemented, this restructuring could mark one of the biggest governance transformations in Vietnam’s modern history.

Quang Phong