Vietnam’s bold move to merge 63 centrally governed provinces and cities into 34 units and adopt a two-tier local government system will bring about medium-term benefits, according to Associate Professor Li Junkai from the Institute for Global South Studies under Tianjin University.

The Hanoi People’s Council has passed 11 key resolutions to ensure the effective operation of the two-tier local government model, which officially took effect from July 1, 2025.

VOV.VN - As Vietnam accelerates efforts to streamline its political system through historic Constitutional amendments and administrative reforms, hostile forces have intensified their use of online platforms to spread distorted narratives, incite public doubt, and undermine national unity.

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.

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked ministries, sectors, and localities to intensify all efforts toward the goal of achieving a GDP growth rate of at least 8% in 2025, a challenging goal amid continued global and domestic economic uncertainties.

VOV.VN - The new two-tier local government system functioned smoothly and without interruption on its first operational day July 1, ensuring effective public service delivery for both citizens and businesses.

VOV.VN - At 6 a.m. on July 1, Bat Nha bells and drums, a sacred Buddhist ritual symbolising “prajna” or transcendent wisdom, rang out simultaneously at more than 18,000 pagodas across Vietnam, marking a moment of nationwide prayer for peace and prosperity as the two-tier local government model officially comes into effect.

VOV.VN - A two-tier local government model officially came into effect simultaneously across 34 provinces and cities in Vietnam on July 1.

VOV.VN - The implementation of a two-tier local government model marks a bold and necessary move to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and performance of the state apparatus at all levels, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh.

VOV.VN - Vietnam officially announced the implementation of a two-tier local government model on June 30, a landmark move that is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancy, and pave the way for more responsive local governance.