Vietnam’s rollout of two-tier local governance model marks necessary push: Ambassador
Following Party General Secretary To Lam’s directions at the ceremony, the Vietnamese Embassy in China and other Vietnamese representative agencies abroad would work closely with local authorities, agencies, and mass organisations. The goal is to build a streamlined, modern administrative system that better serves both domestic and overseas Vietnamese (OV) communities.
Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh grants an interview to Vietnam News Agency (Photo: VNA)
Beijing (VNA) – Vietnam’s rollout of a two-tier local governance model marks a bold and necessary push to improve the administrative effectiveness and efficiency, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh told the Vietnam N💫ews Agency (VNA) in Beijing.
Watching a live broadcast of a ceremony announcing key resolutions and decisions on administrative reform on June 30, Binh described the overhaul as a pragmatic and important step that positions Vietnam for a new era of growth and prosperity.
This reform will help build a government that is closer to the people, understands their needs, and serves them better, while also expanding the space for sustainable national development, he said.
Following Party General Secretary To Lam’s directions at the ceremony, he said the Vietnamese Embassy in China and other Vietnamese representative agencies abroad would work closely with local authorities, agencies, and mass organisations. The goal, he said, is to build a streamlined, modern administrative system that better serves both domestic and overseas Vietnamese (OV) communities.
Staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing watch the live broadcast ceremony (Photo: VNA)
The embassy will continue to play its bridging role, actively engaging the Vietnamese community in China to uphold the tradition of great national unity, mutual support, and deep connection with their homeland, he noted. He called on OVs to contribute to national development and confirmed the embassy’s commitment to spreading Vietnam’s image as a modern, forward-moving nation to international partners and friends.
In a show of national unity, the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing voiced pride and enthusiasm, committing to support the Vietnamese people in achieving this “strategic transformation./.
Highlighting that the launching of the two-tier local administration model is a significant event and a festival of the nation, PM Chinh said that the mergence of Hai Duong and Hai Phong is a strategic move of historical importance, ushering in a new chapter of development for both the city and the broader Red River Delta, contributing to the country’s long-term prosperity.
The new model is designed to simplify the administrative structure, eliminate the intermediary district level, and bring government closer to the people, said Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
The two sides committed to expanding cultural exchanges, tourism promotion, science and technology collaboration, education and training, and people-to-people diplomacy. They also voiced support for stronger Vietnam–EU ties within EVFTA and EU Indo-Pacific initiatives.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed Vietnam’s participation in the FfD4 and reaffirmed Spain’s strong commitment to fostering its partnership with Vietnam, identifying the Southeast Asian country as one of its priority partners in the region.
Deputy PM Ho Duc Phoc is scheduled to deliver key remarks at the plenary session and a roundtable discussion on revitalising international development cooperation on July 1.
Initial success has been achieved as people now understand that the overhaul will save public expenditure, foster more balanced development, and enable the formation of new economic hubs. The ultimate goal is to develop digital government, smart smart cities, integrated economic zones, and flexible administrative models that offer faster, more transparent public services, saving time and costs for both citizens and businesses.
Pope Leo noted the positive progress in bilateral ties and voiced support for further exchanges through the Vietnam – Holy See Joint Working Group, aiming to strengthen cooperation in line with the aspirations of Vietnamese Catholics and the interests of both sides.
In just six months, from December 2024 to May 2025, Vietnam enacted four breakthrough resolutions hailed as “The Four Pillars” of national development in the new era.
PM Pham Minh Chinh's presentation of his decisions appointing two provincial Party secretaries to deputy-ministerial level positions, an exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary career in China, and Vietnam Airlines named among the Top 10 ESG companies in Vietnam 2025 in the logistics sector are among news highlights on June 30 evening.
Tran Duc Thang, Party Central Committee member and Secretary of the Hai Duong provincial Party Committee, was appointed as Standing Deputy Inspector General of Government Inspectorate; while Ho Van Nien, Party Central Committee member and Secretary of the Gia Lai provincial Party Committee, was appointed as Standing Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung applauded ministries, sectors, and localities for their efforts and responsibility in preparing for the July 1 milestone.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man commended Can Tho, alongside Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces, for their proactive and meticulous approach to the administrative overhaul.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the administrative unit merger paves the way for closer regional cooperation in economic, cultural, and social development, national defence, and security while expanding development space and strengthening Can Tho’s role as the central economic engine of the Mekong Delta region.
Party General Secretary To Lam underlined that the merger is not a mere administrative combination but a convergence of intellect and shared development aspirations.
President Cuong affirmed that this is a very special milestone for the entire country and for the capital of Hanoi as, starting from July 1, the country’s local administration apparatus will officially enter a new phase - transitioning from the three-tier system that has been in place for 80 years since the founding of the nation to a two-level one.
This is the era of those who are willing to take bold actions, make decisions, and serve the nation. Vietnam does not choose the easy path but the right path. And it is this path, with the Party as the guide and the people as the creators, that will lead the country to its glorious destination: A strong, prosperous, and happy Vietnam, capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with world powers, as President Ho Chi Minh had always wished.
The 75-year diplomatic milestone is described as a testament to the steadfast and enduring friendship nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens from Vietnam and Bulgaria.
Ceremonies were held simultaneously in all localities across Vietnam at 8:00 a.m on June 30 to announce central and local resolutions and decisions regarding the organisation of the two-tier local government model.
Local authorities of Xuan Hoa ward and Tan Vinh Loc commune in Ho Chi Minh City must ensure political security, social order and safety, and stability; avoid passivity or surprise in any situation; promptly identify and address arising problems early and from afar.
