The journey towards modern, people-friendly governance

Reorganizing commune-level administrative units and moving towards the decommissioning of district-level administrative units is a groundbreaking step that not only brings immediate benefits but also opens up space and opportunities for sustainable, long-term development. Following the central government's directives, Quang Ninh province has accelerated the process of reorganizing administrative units and building a two-tiered local government model that suits the local context and conditions.

Officials, Party members, and residents of Zone 5, Quang Yen Ward (Quang Yen Town) inspect the voter list posted at the zone's cultural center. *Photo: Thu Chung*

According to Resolution No. 11 of the Central Committee (13th term) and Plan No. 47-KH/BCĐ dated April 14, 2025, of the Central Steering Committee on the implementation of the rearrangement and merger of provincial and commune-level administrative units and the organization of a two-tiered local government system, from July 1, 2025, 696 districts, counties, and towns nationwide will cease operations, and the number of communes will be reduced by approximately 60-70% from a total of 10,035 units.

The reorganization of commune-level administrative units and the eventual abolition of the district level is an inevitable step, in line with modern development trends and meeting the practical requirements of the country. This policy aims not only to reduce the number of intermediate levels in state management but also to build a dynamic, people-oriented, and people-serving administration.

Immediately after the Central Committee issued the policy, localities nationwide acted urgently, proactively, and decisively. On April 15, 2025, the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee issued Conclusion No. 1207-KL/TU on the plan for rearranging commune-level administrative units in the province. The conclusion clearly states: On April 14, 2025, the 68th Conference of the Provincial Party Committee, 15th term, 2020-2025, discussed and gave opinions on the plan for rearranging commune-level administrative units in Quang Ninh province. Accordingly, the plan to rearrange commune-level administrative units in Quang Ninh province is basically agreed upon, consisting of 51 units, including 27 wards, 21 communes, and 3 special zones (Van Don, Co To, and Mong Cai). If the Central Government approves the establishment of two special zones (Van Don and Co To), the entire province's commune-level administrative units will be reorganized into 54 units, comprising 30 wards, 22 communes, and the two special zones.

The working group of Quang Ha town (Hai Ha district) visited each household to gather opinions on the plan for rearranging the new commune-level administrative units. *Photo: Thai Ha (Hai Ha Information and Culture Center)*

In Conclusion No. 1207-KL/TU, the Provincial Party Committee assigned the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee to direct the Party Committee of the Provincial People's Committee to continue perfecting the Project on abolishing district-level administrative units and rearranging and reorganizing commune-level administrative units in Quang Ninh province, ensuring quality and progress, and submitting it to the competent authority for approval as prescribed. The process of perfecting the project must take into account factors such as natural conditions, transportation infrastructure, and the distribution and organization of economic development spaces, in order to maximize the potential and advantages of each locality, support each other to promote the overall socio-economic development of the commune-level administrative units after rearrangement; and to review and adjust the administrative boundaries of some units to overcome existing shortcomings and inadequacies left by history in the state management of administrative boundaries and planning.

With this reorganization, the commune-level administrative units will have larger populations, more favorable natural conditions, and more integrated infrastructure. This is a revolution in the organization of the state apparatus, reflecting the strategic vision and very high political determination of our Party and State.

The momentum for implementing the administrative unit reorganization has spread to every level, sector, and locality in the province. The working atmosphere in task forces, implementation conferences, and public consultations has been urgent and enthusiastic, clearly demonstrating a high sense of responsibility and consensus. Almost everywhere, when receiving feedback forms, people enthusiastically welcomed the Party's policy and expressed strong agreement with the reorganization plans, which had been carefully researched and scientifically sound by the local authorities.

According to the Department of Internal Affairs' summary, out of nearly 357,000 household representatives across the province who participated in the consultation, 99.53% agreed with the proposed reorganization of commune-level administrative units, and 98.99% agreed with the names of the new commune-level administrative units. Many localities had very high rates of voter consensus, reflecting the sense of responsibility of the people and the democratic nature of the implementation process.

For example: Tien Yen District had 99.9% of voters agreeing to the establishment of the new administrative unit and 99.43% agreeing to the new administrative name; Binh Lieu District had 99.79% of voters agreeing to the establishment of the new administrative unit and 99.55% agreeing to the new administrative name; Uong Bi City had 99.50% of voters agreeing to the establishment of the new administrative unit and 97.1% agreeing to the new administrative name... This is a solid foundation for the success of this reorganization.

Initial concerns about the name, headquarters, and history of formation were quickly resolved by the transparency, openness, and persuasiveness of each step taken by the government. The people understood that this was not simply a separation and merger, but a process of restructuring the development space, opening up opportunities and conditions for strong development in each locality, leaving a profound mark on the journey of building a modern, effective, efficient, people-oriented, and people-friendly administration.

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