"Reflections of an expat on Vieťt Nam's administrative reform: From bewilderment to enthusiasm"
In a significant move towards modernization and efficiency, Vietnam has embarked on a comprehensive administrative restructuring, reducing the number of provinces from 63 to 34 and eliminating districts. This reform, which aims to streamline the public sector, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and enhance economic development potential, is set to transform the country's administrative landscape.
The changes reflect a strategic vision to modernize governance, aligning with global integration and sustainable development trends. The restructuring incorporates modern criteria such as regional connectivity, urban development potential, and national development vision. This shift is part of Vietnam's broader goal to increase efficiency and transparency in governance.
One of the key objectives of this restructuring is cost reduction and fiscal efficiency. The reform is intended to cut state costs and reduce public sector expenditures, aligning with Vietnam's ambitions to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030. The elimination of districts and the consolidation of provinces aim to reduce administrative overhead, harmonize services, and reallocate resources.
Economic growth and development are another significant focus of these changes. By reducing the number of provinces and eliminating districts, Vietnam seeks to promote the formation of large-scale and competitive growth hubs both regionally and internationally. The two-tier local administration model is designed to foster economic development and improve the country's competitiveness in the global market.
The reforms also aim to combat corruption and consolidate leadership, contributing to a more streamlined and effective government. This is part of a broader political effort to modernize governance and improve transparency in the public sector.
The new structure emphasizes ward-level administration, pushing authority closer to the people and streamlining decision-making. This change is expected to reduce the need for in-person visits or paper-heavy filings, potentially making certain tasks that once required an entire day and three photocopies take 10 minutes with a QR code.
However, these changes may cause initial confusion and frustration for individuals who have spent a significant amount of time learning about the geography of Vietnam. The elimination of districts may have a personal impact on individuals who have used district names as personal coordinates, woven into stories, friendships, and memories.
Vietnam is stepping into a new era: modern, connected, and efficient. Cities like HCM City and Da Nang remain the same, but the geographical boundaries have shifted. For instance, a ride to Ba Ria no longer takes the traveler out of HCM City, as Ba Ria-Vung Tau - a province that previously existed - no longer exists in the same form.
The consolidation of provinces has resulted in the elimination of over 6,700 local units and the consolidation of 10,035 wards, communes, and townships into just 3,321, including 13 special zones. This restructuring represents a comprehensive shift in Vietnam's national governance mindset, aimed at creating a leaner, more effective, and efficient administrative apparatus.
For Ray Riches, a resident of HCM City, who has built a mental map of Vietnam over thirteen years and works as a teacher and freelancer with a passion for adventure cycling, creating YouTube videos, and taking photos to record a pictorial story of his home provinces, the changes may present a challenge. However, he remains optimistic about the future, ready to reset, study, and reorient himself in the face of these changes.
With essential services now being standardized and digitized nationwide, online applications, clearer procedures, and faster results are expected. The changes promise significant improvements for the future of Vietnam, ushering in a new era of modernization, efficiency, and transparency.
- The restructuring of Vietnam's administration, incorporating modern criteria, aligns with AI technology, fostering digitalization and streamlining of public services.
- The policy-and-legislation changes aim to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies in the business sector, encouraging foreign investments and promoting Vietnam's economic growth in the global market.
- The government's emphasis on ward-level administration and digitization of essential services may reduce travel-related hassles, such as paperwork and personal visits, leading to improved travel experiences.
- The changes in Vietnam's administrative structure are not without controversy, as they may affect certain aspects of politics and politics, such as the electoral process in the elimination of districts.
- The general news concerning the administrative restructuring in Vietnam signifies a strategic shift towards transparency, accountability, and war on corruption, aligning with international standards of governance and political stability.
