Ten ministries merged into five after apparatus streamlining: Minister
After the apparatus restructuring, the streamlined government will have 14 ministries and three ministry-level agencies, a reduction of five; and five Government-affiliated agencies, down by three.
The Ministry of Finance's headquarters (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam has approved a plan on restructuring and streamlini🌠ng the organisational apparatus of the political system, in which 10 ministries are merged into five, Minister of Hom🌞e Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra said on January 25.
Specifically, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance will be merged into the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Transport will be merged into the Ministry of Construction; the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will be merged into the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Science and Technology will be merged into the Ministry of Science and Technology; while the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs will be merged into the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The plan includes the establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic Minority and Religious Affairs on the basis of the Government Committee for Ethnic Affairs, which will take on additional functions, tasks, and state management for religious affairs from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Party Central Committee has agreed with the policy to re-organise the inspectorate system by restructuring and consolidating the Government Inspectorate and the current local and specialised inspection agencies.
Additionally, it has also agreed with the policy to re-organise the local public security apparatus with the district-level police force eliminated. For island districts, police stations will be established, as there are no commune-level administrative units.
After the apparatus restructuring, the streamlined government will have 14 ministries and three ministry-level agencies, a reduction of five; and five Government-affiliated agencies, down by three.
Specifically, the 14 ministries are the Ministry of National Defence; the Ministry of Public Security; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Industry and Trade; the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Education and Training; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Construction; the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; the Ministry of Science and Technology; the Ministry of Home Affairs; and the Ministry of Ethnic Minority and Religious Affairs.
The ministry-level agencies are the Government Office, the Government Inspectorate, and the State Bank of Vietnam, while the five Government-affiliated agencies are the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, the Vietnam Television (VTV), Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV), and the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)./.
Party General Secretary To Lam chaired the second meeting of the Central Steering Committee for implementing Resolution No. 18 of the 12th Party Central Committee in Hanoi on January 21.
Vietnam is accelerating momentum in digital transformation. However, the cumbersome and multi-layered organisational structure remains a major bottleneck, hindering further progress.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has highlighted the importance of rearranging officials, civil servants and public employees and enhancing their quality while streamlining the organisational apparatus.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
