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On June 12th, a significant milestone in Vietnam's administrative reform was officially reached when the National Assembly's Resolution on the reorganization and merger of provinces and cities came into effect immediately after receiving the National Assembly's consensus and approval. This is a historic step, opening a new phase in streamlining the administrative apparatus and improving the efficiency of state management.
After the resolution takes effect on June 12th, the country will have 34 administrative units, including 6 centrally-governed cities and 28 provinces.
Notably, 11 provincial-level administrative units were not subject to restructuring. Of these, 10 units met the prescribed criteria: Hanoi, Hue, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh. In particular, Cao Bang province, although not meeting the criteria, has unique characteristics and is therefore not subject to merger.
Map of Vietnam after the adoption of the Resolution on the reorganization of provincial-level administrative units in 2025.
The policy of administrative reform and streamlining the state apparatus has created an important and urgent requirement: merging provincial-level administrations and abolishing district-level administrations, aiming for efficient governance, reduced costs, and the promotion of sustainable development.
Meanwhile, 52 provinces and cities undergoing reorganization will merge into 23 new provincial-level administrative units with specific names such as: Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, Quang Tri, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Ca Mau, and An Giang.
The resolution on the merger of provinces and cities in 2025 also clearly states that relevant agencies need to urgently carry out the necessary preparatory work to ensure that local governments in the newly established provinces and cities will officially begin operations from July 1st. During the transition period, local governments in the provinces and cities before the reorganization will continue to operate until the local governments in the new administrative units are formed and officially operational.
Streamlining organizational structures is an inevitable trend towards sustainable development. All changes, even those that may initially create difficulties, aim to improve operational efficiency.
To ensure a smooth transition, the resolution requires the Government, People's Councils, and People's Committees of provinces and cities implementing the restructuring and mergers to focus on consolidating the organizational structure of local agencies and organizations. Of particular importance is providing support and promptly addressing the difficulties and obstacles faced by officials, civil servants, and employees affected by this restructuring.
The government and central ministries and agencies are also tasked with guiding and promptly addressing issues arising during the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units, while simultaneously consolidating the organizational structure of local governments at all levels to effectively implement the new two-tiered local government model. All these efforts ultimately aim to build a modern, streamlined administration that better serves the country's development in the coming period.
