Opening the meeting, the PM underscored that as part of efforts to implement the ongoing "revolution" in restructuring the political system’s organisational apparatus, ministries, agencies, and organisations at the central level have largely completed the reorganisation of their structures.

Efforts are now in full swing to reorganise local administrative units and establish a two-level local administration model, he noted, adding that the restructuring of agencies such as the People’s Courts and the People’s Procuracy is also underway.

The Government leader praised localities’ performance in taking necessary steps to reorganise administrative units and develop the two-level local administration model, including gathering public feedback on the scheme. Following the restructuring, the country is expected to have 34 provinces and centrally-run cities, with 3,193 commune-level administrative units. He also lauded localities’ preparations to ensure proper staffing for the new two-level local administration model.

The PM said that the Government’s steering committee for reorganising administrative units and building two-level local administration model is preparing official documents for submission to the National Assembly for review and approval.

He asked participants at the meeting to provide their opinions on the Government’s proposals to allow the steering committee to finalise them for submission to the National Assembly. Along with constitutional amendments, once the National Assembly approves the restructuring proposals, the Government will begin implementing the new administrative apparatus on July 1, ensuring that no disruptions or administrative blockages occur, particularly with regard to procedures and services for the public and businesses.

Following this meeting, the Government will submit proposals for the reorganisation of provincial and commune-level administrative units to the National Assembly and its Standing Committee in accordance with legal requirements. Follow-up efforts will be strengthened to address any challenges or issues that arise during the process, he stated.

Stressing the significance of decentralisation and the delegation of authority between the central and local levels, the PM urged ministries and ministerial-level agencies to expedite the completion of reports on decentralisation and delegation of power, clearly defining the responsibilities and powers of the two-level local administration.

Chinh also requested the ministries and ministerial-level agencies to promptly finalise and present to the Government the necessary decrees regarding decentralisation, delegation of power, and the defining of tasks and powers for local administrations at the provincial and commune levels. They should also draft and issue relevant legal documents concerning the organisation and operations of the two-level local administration, he said.

PM urges swift, efficient reorganisation of local administrative units

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for a continued review of tasks and solutions related to the reorganisation and merger of provincial-and communal-level administrative units, stressing the need to avoid overlapping responsibilities while ensuring that no duties are neglected, paving the way for a more efficient two-tier political system at the local level.