Two-tier local government – A historic reform: Chinese scholar
The adoption of the two-tier local government model marks the beginning of a new era in Vietnam, as envisioned by its leaders. Although simple in appearance, this step represents a major leap forward in the nation’s development journey, promising benefits not only for current generations but also for those to come, a Chinese expert has said.
Prof. Dr Cheng Hanping, Executive Director of the Regional and Country Research Institute and Director of the Vietnam Research Centre at Zhejiang University of Technology. (Photo: VNA)
Beijing (VNA) – Vietnam’s sweeping administrative reform, which came into effect on July 1 with the merger of its 63 provinces and centrally-run cities into 34 units and the official transition to🥂 a two-tier local government model comprising provincial and communal levels, has drawn widespread attention in Chinese public and academic circles.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Beijing, Prof. Dr Cheng Hanping, Executive Director of the Regional and Country Research Institute and Director of the Vietnam Research Centre at Zhejiang University of Technology, described the move as a historic reform. He noted that the change reflects the strong resolve of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the bold vision of its leadership for the country’s future.
Professor Cheng highlighted that the adoption of the two-tier system demonstrates the CPV’s strong implementation capacity across all levels.
This marks the beginning of a new era in Vietnam, as envisioned by its leaders, he said, elaborating that although simple in appearance, this step represents a major leap forward in the nation’s development journey, promising benefits not only for current generations but also for those to come.
He further assessed that such a strong reform will have a significant impact on Vietnam’s future development in several key areas. It will reduce bureaucratic redundancy, ease the burden on taxpayers, and help streamline policy implementation, ensuring that all sectors focus on serving the people and advancing national development.
Importantly, Cheng noted, the reform sends a clear political message: public officials are accountable and can be removed if they fail to perform.
Commenting on the two-tier local government model, the Chinese scholar called it a valuable example for the world, especially for neighbouring China, which shares similar conditions. Vietnam, he said, has taken bold and courageous measures to eliminate overlapping institutions, cut unnecessary civil servants, reduce the burden on government agencies, and lower taxes for the people.
This reform is also a message that civil servants must prove their competence and make a real difference in their work, Cheng added./.
The two-tier local government model will serve as a key driver for Vietnam’s green economic development and enhanced governance capacity amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution and deep international integration, according to Prensa Latina.
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Vietnam’s participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro at the inviation of Brazilian President Lula da Silva highlights the country's growing global role and sets the stage for deeper future cooperation, stated Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi ahead of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s trip to Brazil for the summit and bilateral activities from July 4-8.
Becoming a partner country of BRICS is a step that fully aligns with the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification of international relations that Vietnam has steadfastly pursued for nearly four decades.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is also expected to reaffirm Vietnam's strong commitment to peace, stability, cooperation, and development on this occasion; as well as its desire to deepen ties with Brazil and diversify economic, trade, and investment partnerships with high-potential regions.
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Reaffirming Vietnam’s readiness to share its experience, Xuan reiterated the country’s commitment to being a reliable partner and responsible member of the global community, working together to build an inclusive digital world where all women and girls can fully participate, be protected, and be empowered to achieve comprehensive development.
Vietnam’s becoming a BRICS "partner country" is warmly welcomed, and Brazil expects it to play an active and proactive role in advancing goals related to trade, investment, energy transition, sustainable environmental and social development, enhancing connectivity, and promoting equitable access to innovation.
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Oliveira expressed his hope that the PM’s attendance at the expanded BRICS summit this year will unlock further cooperation opportunities, particularly in the spheres of science, technology, and innovation.
Administrative procedures for citizens and businesses had been issued in a timely manner, with clear and detailed regulations, and were promptly put in place to ensure seamless implementation as the two-tier local administration model began operations on July 1.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for an 11–12% year-on-year increase in total social investment. Meanwhile, greater efforts are needed to fully disburse public investment by December 31. Substandard housing for people with meritorious service must be eradicated by July 27, with nationwide completion slated for August 30.
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