Vietnam’s bold move to merge 63 centrally governed provinces and cities into 34 units and adopt a two-tier local government system will bring about medium-term benefits, according to Associate Professor Li Junkai from the Institute for Global South Studies under Tianjin University.

Vietnam’s shift to a two-tier local administration model marked a historic institutional reform, underscoring the country’s determination to streamline its state apparatus, making it more efficient, effective, and closer to the people. The change has drawn great attention from Indonesian scholars and the Vietnamese community living and working in the country.

The Hanoi People’s Council has passed 11 key resolutions to ensure the effective operation of the two-tier local government model, which officially took effect from July 1, 2025.

VOV.VN - At 6 a.m. on July 1, Bat Nha bells and drums, a sacred Buddhist ritual symbolising “prajna” or transcendent wisdom, rang out simultaneously at more than 18,000 pagodas across Vietnam, marking a moment of nationwide prayer for peace and prosperity as the two-tier local government model officially comes into effect.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 30 attended a ceremony to launch the two-tier administration model of new Hai Phong city, which is formed by merging Hai Phong city and Hai Duong province - a move that he described as a significant millstone marking the start of a new but challenging development journey.

VOV.VN - The implementation of a two-tier local government model marks a bold and necessary move to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and performance of the state apparatus at all levels, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh.

VOV.VN - Party and State leaders of Vietnam on June 30 fanned out across major provinces and cities to announce a sweeping administrative restructuring initiative, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to streamline governance at the grassroots-level.

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s new two-tier local government model, set to launch on July 1, 2025, reflects what Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh calls a bold step to streamline the administrative apparatus and stimulate national growth.

VOV.VN - Vietnamese model Minh Khac delivered a standout performance at Mister Supranational 2025, earning a place among the Top 10 finalists during the grand finale held in Poland on June 28 evening (local time).

VOV.VN - After more than a month of sitting, the National Assembly concluded its ninth session in Hanoi on June 27, approving landmark decisions, laws and resolutions hailed as revolutionary.