With 63 provinces and an ever-expanding administrative apparatus, critics argue that Vietnam’s bureaucratic system is inefficient and wastes taxpayer money. Advocates for provincial mergers believe that consolidating provinces could optimize resources and accelerate national development.

Following a series of reports on Vietnam’s historic administrative restructuring, many readers have expressed support for merging provinces as a step toward building a stronger, more prosperous nation. They emphasize the need to maximize human and financial resources while reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Reducing bureaucracy requires a shift in mindset

Merging provinces would result in larger administrative areas, but many argue that this is not a major concern in an era where digital technology is transforming public services. With advancements in AI and online administrative systems, citizens can now obtain official documents remotely, eliminating the need for frequent travel to government offices.

"We are in the AI era, not the days of walking or cycling to meetings. Keeping 63 provinces with 63 provincial party secretaries and 63 chairpersons, along with countless provincial departments, only leads to excessive bureaucracy. These officials are constantly lobbying for funding for their own provinces, creating inefficiencies and wasting taxpayers' money," said Nguyen Van Thong, a concerned reader.

According to Thong, the name of a province is secondary - what matters is that merging provinces should reduce costs, harness existing resources, and unlock untapped economic potential. He suggests that provinces should be merged based on their complementary strengths. For example, a province with forested or border areas could be paired with a neighboring province with access to rivers or coastal regions to promote balanced development.

"In China, with a population of 1.4 billion, the number of provincial-level administrative units is only a few dozen," noted reader Luong Hai Xuan in agreement.

Merging provinces to reallocate resources for development

Vo Huy supports provincial consolidation, arguing that reducing government payroll expenses would free up funds for infrastructure investment and scientific research. He believes that redundant government buildings could be repurposed into schools and hospitals, providing greater benefits to the public.

"Of course, in tandem with these changes, the government should increase salaries for public servants. Higher wages would encourage dedication and professionalism while minimizing corruption and inefficiencies," added Huy Long.

As administrative divisions grow larger, the government must also ensure that officials have the necessary skills and expertise to manage broader jurisdictions. This restructuring presents an opportunity for dedicated and capable leaders to demonstrate their ability to handle greater responsibilities.

Nguyen Duc Vinh emphasizes that the primary goal of merging provinces should be development. Others point out four key principles to keep in mind when restructuring administrative units.

First, government offices should no longer serve as entities that simply distribute resources; instead, they should act as facilitators of growth, innovation, and public service.

Second, public sector employment should not be viewed as a permanent entitlement but as a professional career requiring specialized expertise, similar to other industries.

Third, government agencies and public assets must be managed in strict compliance with legal regulations, free from undue administrative interference or personal influence.

Lastly, all government services must be subject to public evaluation. Citizens’ votes should carry greater weight in shaping the future of public administration.

Balancing history and practicality when renaming provinces

The issue of naming merged provinces has sparked mixed opinions.

"If two or three provinces are combined, but only one province's name is retained, the history of the others may gradually fade away. Our homeland is an integral part of our national identity," commented reader Quoc Ngoc.

Dương Hoai Thanh suggests that the naming process should be fair and inclusive, avoiding a scenario where the wealthier or more powerful province automatically retains its name.

Others recall past examples of administrative consolidation. Nguyen Truong shared that in 2024, when multiple communes were merged into new administrative units, authorities selected names that were impressive but disconnected from the historical and cultural identities of local communities.

"There was a case where three communes were merged, and each contributed one syllable to form a new name. The result was a name that had no meaning or relevance to the area’s heritage. I hope that when merging provinces, authorities will carefully consider names that are meaningful and culturally appropriate," Truong said.

Similarly, Thanh Bach recounted that his commune in Me Linh District was renamed after an administrative merger in 2024. While residents have gradually adapted to the new name, many still hold onto the old one. He argues that the most important aspect of these changes is the economic and social progress they bring.

Le Hoa agrees, saying, "Losing an old provincial name is sentimental, but if it leads to better development, it’s a sacrifice worth making."

Reflecting on past administrative changes, Vo Ha Minh Hai pointed to the 2008 merger of Ha Tay with Hanoi. While the name "Ha Tay" remains deeply ingrained in the memories of its residents, the merger has led to significant infrastructure improvements and a higher quality of life.

"It’s been 17 years since Ha Tay merged with Hanoi, and while many still reminisce about the old name, the benefits of the merger are undeniable. With this upcoming round of consolidations, people should focus on the future rather than clinging to old names," Hai said.

Van Loi takes an even more pragmatic approach: "What matters is not the name but the efficiency of the government. In the past, even the name of the country changed under different dynasties, and the capital was relocated from Hoa Lu to Thang Long. What truly counts is governance that fosters prosperity and progress."

He concludes that while nostalgia is understandable, the most crucial factor is whether local governments are truly committed to building wealthier and more developed communities. When that happens, people will take pride in their homeland regardless of its name.

Nguyen Thao