Brian Jeffrey
On June 12, Vietnam’s National Assembly made history by passing a significant resolution with 461 out of 465 deputies in favor. This new measure, effective immediately, consolidates the country’s provincial administrative units, cutting the total from 63 to 34.
This important legislative action represents a vital step in the nation’s efforts to reform its administrative structure. By endorsing the unification of provincial units, the National Assembly is taking a crucial step toward restructuring an unwieldy and expensive bureaucracy, which has faced scrutiny for its inefficiencies that stifle business growth and development.
The reconfiguration will see 52 provinces merged into 23 new administrative units, while 11 provinces will keep their current boundaries (Hanoi, Hue, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Cao Bang).
This substantial reduction reflects a collective political determination and a high-level commitment to transforming Vietnam’s developmental landscape, moving away from the disjointed and inefficient growth patterns of previous decades. The goal is to establish a more streamlined administration that fosters improved governance, strategic planning, and fair development throughout the regions.
This reform goes beyond simply redrawing borders; it strengthens governance capabilities, enhances decentralization, and lays the groundwork for sustainable and competitive growth both domestically and internationally.
The timeline from the Politburo’s initial meeting on March 7 to the resolution’s approval spanned just over three months. During this period, extensive efforts included merging provinces, reducing the number of communes and wards by 70%, transitioning to a two-tier local government framework, reorganizing mass organizations, and providing early retirement options for underqualified personnel. This thorough revamp marks a historic shift toward a more efficient and capable government.
The phrase “Run and line up,” introduced by General Secretary To Lam months ago, may have raised eyebrows initially, but it has now become a guiding principle of governance: encapsulating agility, decisiveness, and strategic flexibility.
This principle embodies a serious leadership mentality that harmonizes swift changes with order, allowing the nation to be responsive while remaining grounded. As global competition intensifies and transformative opportunities emerge, Vietnam must act promptly, seize its advantages, and avoid stagnation.
The government is quickly turning major policies into actionable strategies: enhancing legal frameworks, removing institutional barriers, fostering innovation, empowering local governments with added autonomy, simplifying administrative processes, and reducing expenses for citizens and businesses.
Vietnam’s progress cannot tolerate indecision; it mandates assertive leadership. “Running while lining up” ensures that advances are made quickly but systematically, avoiding reckless actions while upholding legal and structural integrity.
This mindset requires bold, perceptive, and adaptable leaders—individuals capable of seizing opportunities, applying policies creatively, and adjusting regulations to real-world situations.
The latest administrative overhaul, with the merging of provinces and the establishment of the two-tier local governance model, represents a transformative shift. It sets the stage for a more logical administrative structure and stronger regional economic zones, integrating coastal and forest resources to forge new avenues for growth.
By late June, localities will reveal their new administrative maps and leadership hierarchies, with the new model officially commencing on July 1.
“Running while lining up” transcends being just a catchy phrase; it is a philosophy of intelligent, scientific governance responsive to Vietnam’s development requirements in this new era. It is essential for maintaining robust economic growth, aiming for double-digit expansion, and achieving high-income status in a future characterized by prosperity and happiness.
