Vietnam's two-tier local administration model conforms to global trends: expert
Anh expressed his support for this policy, asserting that it is a necessary reform for Vietnam to capitalise on domestic and international opportunities for growth. Vietnam's “Doi Moi” (renewal) policy over the past four decades needs updates in a rapidly changing world with geopolitical instabilities, climate change, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
London (VNA) – Vietnam’s rollout of two-tier local administration model and restructuring of provincial administrative units is a sound policy that conforms to global trends. Dr. Luong Tuan Anh from the UK’s De Montfort University told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident reporters in London.
Anh expressed his support for this policy, asserting that it is a necessary reform for Vietnam to capitalise on domestic and international opportunities for growth. Vietnam's “Doi Moi” (renewal) policy over the past four decades needs updates in a rapidly changing world with geopolitical instabilities, climate change, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
Streamlining the administration apparatus could slash recurrent expenditures, which now consume nearly 56% of the national budget, compared to just 30% in the UK, thereby freeing up resources for development projects, he said.
The two-tier local administration model, he explained, would empower local authorities by granting them greater autonomy to tailor policies to their specific needs and capabilities.
The provincial administrative restructuring, while costly, promises substantial benefits, according to his recent research on merging Vietnamese provinces.
He pointed to the mergence of Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces as a prime example. The move would create a dynamic economic hub, with Ho Chi Minh City serving as a financial centre, Binh Duong as an industrial powerhouse, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau as a tourism magnet. By erasing administrative boundaries, the new megacity would facilitate smoother transport and lure foreign investors, allowing them to work in Ho Chi Minh City, build factories in Binh Duong, and reside in Vung Tau.
Anh argued that such mergers would create driving forces, enabling each region to amplify its strengths and enhance its role within a unified province. “This creates momentum for better development opportunities”, he said.
Drawing on the UK’s administrative reforms, he highlighted the benefits of digital governance, including online procedures that ensure data interoperability across ministries and public service providers. These systems offer real-time feedback on errors and allow applicants to track document processing, improving efficiency and transparency.
Vie🅠tnam should adopt similar principles of transparency, accountability, and scientific rigor to professionalise its public administration, Anh suggested./.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a conference on July 13 focused on the operation of the two-tier local government model, the progress of key transport infrastructure projects, and the implementation of the Mekong Delta's sustainable one-million-hectare low-emission and high-quality rice cultivation plan.
By reorganising the administrative system from three to two levels, with the district level removed, the authority and responsibility of commune/ward administrations will be strengthened, and efficiency will be improved, thus better serving citizens.
This positive response stems from a shift not only in thinking but also in action among commune and ward leaders and officials, marked by a service-oriented attitude, enhanced decentralisation, proactive law enforcement, and the restructuring of an operating system that is more transparent and modern.
FTSE Russell’s Global Head of Equity and Multi Asset Gerald Toledano praised Vietnam’s reform momentum, noting that its stock market, now the most liquid in ASEAN, has surpassed those of Thailand and Singapore.
The top legislator urged the SAV and SAO to advance their 2025-2028 medium-term cooperation plan and the 2021-2030 strategy, asking for more exchanges of delegations and expertise, particularly in digital transformation and staff training.
Cambodia always remembers and appreciates Vietnam’s support for Cambodia’s escape from the Pol Pot genocidal regime, said Secretary of State Ung Rachana of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The 27th Party Congress of the VNA elected a 27-member Party Committee for the new term and a delegation of six official and two alternate delegates to attend the first congress of the Government's Party Organisation.
The Foreign Ministry spokeperson was responding to a reporter's question regarding July 12, 2025, which marked the 9th anniversary of the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the East Sea arbitration case between the Philippines and China under Annex VII of UNCLOS.
The two sides agreed to enhance information sharing and policy consultation at all levels – from technical experts to government leaders – to promptly address issues arising during the course of cooperation, and to seek flexible solutions to balance and raise bilateral trade.
Nominees for the National Assembly Party Committee members must demonstrate political mettle, intellect, moral integrity, prestige and proven competence to fulfill the mission entrusted by the Party, the NA, and the people
According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia, 140 Vietnamese citizens were temporarily detained by Cambodian authorities in Phnom Penh on July 14 due to suspected involvement in online scam activities.
Vietnam has invited the defence ministers of Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to attend the celebration of the 80th National Day anniversary on September 2; and five countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to send forces to participate in the parade at the National Day celebration.
The top legislator will attend the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Switzerland, engage in bilateral activities there, and pay official visits to Morocco and Senegal from July 22 to 30.
The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 17 considered and issued disciplinary measures against two incumbent and former officials for serious violations of the Party's regulations and the State's laws while performing their duties.
The two sides discussed ways to accelerate joint projects and agreements and expand the list of Vietnam’s exports to China. They also proposed boosting cooperation in vocational training, especially in high-tech industries and sustainable agriculture, to meet the development needs of both sides.
The rehearsal comprised two main segments featuring a formation of 18 standing blocks and 43 marching ones, including seven female military units covering military music, medical officers, Vietnamese peacekeepers, special forces, communications soldiers, ethnic militia, and southern guerrillas, alongside two female police units representing traffic police officers and special task force personnel.
PM Pham Minh Chinh asked the VNA Party Organisation and its journalists to uphold the legacy of the agency that has received the hero title for three times, and maintain internal unity and its leadership in alignment with the Party’s guidelines and the State's laws.
The 27th Party Congress of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) for the 2025 - 2030 term took place at the VNA's headquarters on July 17. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended and sent flowers to the event.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested a focus on implementing relevant resolutions and conclusions on the restructuring of the political system’s organisational apparatus and the reorganisation of administrative units.
During the meetings, NA Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh congratulated South Africa on its significant achievements in national development, particularly in implementing the goals of the "National Development Plan 2030" to improve living standards and reduce poverty and inequality
During a meeting with Fung Wai Ka Thomas, Director of CCC Infrastructure, and Lai Rong Huo, Chairman of Shenzhen Hero Group, Deputy PM Dung welcomed their interest and plans to invest in Vietnam, especially in the field of smart urban development.
