On the morning of June 12, with 461 out of 465 deputies in favor, Vietnam’s National Assembly officially passed a historic resolution to consolidate provincial-level administrative units. The resolution took immediate effect, reducing the number of provinces and centrally governed cities from 63 to 34.

This legislative move marks a critical milestone in the nation's administrative reform journey. By approving the merger of provincial units, the National Assembly, on behalf of the people, made a decisive step in restructuring Vietnam’s overly bulky and costly bureaucracy, which has long been criticized for inefficiencies and hindering business and development.

Under the new structure, 52 provinces are being merged into 23 new administrative units, while 11 retain 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 dramatic reduction signifies a unified political will and high-level commitment to reconfiguring Vietnam’s development space, ending the fragmented and uncoordinated growth of past decades. The aim is a streamlined administration capable of stronger governance, strategic planning, and equitable development across regions.

Beyond merging borders, this reform enhances governance capacity, strengthens decentralization, and builds a foundation for sustainable, competitive growth on a national and global scale.

From the Politburo’s initial session on March 7 to the resolution’s passage, the reform took just over three months. In that time, massive efforts were mobilized: province mergers, reduction of 70% of communes and wards, a shift to a two-tier local government model, reorganization of mass organizations, and early retirement for underqualified staff. This comprehensive overhaul is a historic pivot toward a leaner, more capable government.

Earlier reforms had already trimmed Vietnam’s central government to 17 ministries, five fewer than before. This lays the groundwork for reducing local administrative overhead and improving the quality of public servants, especially at the commune level, ahead of the July 1 implementation of the new two-level local government system.

“Run and line up” - a phrase coined by General Secretary To Lam months ago - might have sounded curious, even dubious, at first. But it now embodies a governing philosophy: one of agility, decisiveness, and smart adaptation.

It reflects a deep leadership mindset that balances rapid change with order, enabling the country to stay responsive while grounded. In an age of intense global competition and transformative opportunities, Vietnam must act fast, seize its moment, and avoid stagnation.

The government has rapidly translated major policies into concrete action: streamlining legal frameworks, unblocking institutional bottlenecks, promoting innovation, empowering local governments with more autonomy and responsibility, simplifying administrative procedures, and cutting costs for citizens and businesses.

Vietnam’s development cannot afford hesitation. It demands decisive leadership. “Running while lining up” ensures that progress is swift yet orderly, preventing reckless rushes while maintaining legal and structural integrity.

This approach calls for bold, insightful, and flexible leaders - those who can grasp opportunities, creatively apply policy, and adapt regulations to real-life contexts.

The latest administrative reform, with provincial mergers and the two-tier local government model, is nothing short of a structural revolution. It paves the way for a more rational administrative framework and stronger regional economic zones, combining coastal and forest resources for new growth pathways.

By late June, localities will announce their new administrative maps and leadership structures. From July 1, the new model will officially come into operation.

“Running while lining up” is not just a catchy phrase. It is a philosophy of smart, scientific governance tailored to Vietnam’s development needs in a new era. It is the key to sustaining high economic growth, aiming for double-digit expansion and achieving high-income status in a future of prosperity and happiness.

Van Thieng