At the meeting, members of the committee examined the criteria for reorganizing administrative units and directions for restructuring and merging administrative units. They also proposed names and methods for selecting the political and administrative centers of newly established administrative units; as well as the functions, tasks, powers, organizational structure, and staffing of provincial and grassroots-level governments.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is Secretary of the Government party Committee, emphasized that the majority of officials and people strongly support the policy of reorganizing administrative units at all levels and establishing a two-tier local government structure.

This restructuring aims to align with the current situation and management capabilities, especially when transportation and digital infrastructure have significantly improved. It also seeks to create new development opportunities, and maximize the unique potential, outstanding advantages, and competitive strengths of each locality, he stressed.

He highlighted advantages of the two-tier local government model, that consists of the provincial level (provinces and centrally governed cities) and the grassroots level (communes/wards), saying if it is deployed, it will help ensure a streamlined, efficient, and effective system.

The government leader reminded that in addition to criteria such as natural area and population size, other factors should also be considered in implementing the restructuring scheme. These include history, traditions, culture, ethnicity, geographical conditions, socio-economic development levels, and infrastructure.

Notably, the naming of new provincial-level administrative units should ensure continuity, while the selection of political-administrative centers must take into account historical significance, geography, infrastructure connectivity, development potential, national defense, security, and international integration, he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the overarching goal of reorganizing administrative units at all levels is to enhance governance efficiency and further promote the self-reliance, autonomy, and resilience of local governments. The restructured administration should be closer to the people, more accessible, and more efficient in addressing public needs.

Ultimately, he said, this reform should bring greater benefits to citizens, improve their well-being and happiness while fostering broad public consensus.

At present Vietnam has 63 provincial-level administrative units, 696 districts, and 10,035 communes and wards. It is implementing a plan to restructure its commune-level administrative units to streamline the government apparatus and enhance management efficiency.

In addition, it is drafting plans to eliminate district-level administrative units and merge provincial-level administrative units.

The restructuring scheme will be completed before it is submitted to the Political Bureau for consideration and approval.

National Assembly to debate merger of provinces in mid-year session

VOV.VN - The National Assembly will consider the restructuring of grassroots-level administrations, including the elimination of district-level administrative units and merger of provincial-level administrative units, in its coming ninth session, starting in May, according to National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.