Two-tier local administration an inevitable choice for prosperous Vietnam: KOVECA Chairman
By reorganising the administrative system from three to two levels, with the district level removed, the authority and responsibility of commune/ward administrations will be strengthened, and efficiency will be improved, thus better serving citizens.
Chairman of the Korea – Vietnam Economic and Cultural Association Kwon Seong Taek in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency's correspondent in the Republic of Korea. (Photo: VNA)
Seoul (VNA) - The implementation of the two-tier local administration model, starting July 1, is an inevitable choice for the prosperous future and development of Vietnam, and a strategic reform aimed at improving administrative management efficiency and national competitiveness, according to Kwon Seong Taek, Chairman of the Korea – Vietnam Economic and Cultural Association (KOVECA).
Kwon assessed that this move is like turning the impossible into possible. The streamlining of local administration levels will not only have a significant impact on enhancing administrative efficiency and minimising financial budgets but also achieve the goal of building a digital government that the country has been pursuing.
He expressed his belief that with the merger and reduction of intermediary levels, the authority and responsibility of local administrations will be strengthened due to the expansion of administrative boundaries of localities.
With the expansion, the structure of provinces and cities has obviously become broader and more diverse, the KOVECA Chairman said, describing the boundary division as very reasonable and scientific from certain perspectives.
By reorganising the administrative system from three to two levels, with the district level removed, the authority and responsibility of commune/ward administrations will be strengthened, and efficiency will be improved, thus better serving citizens.
From the perspective of investors considering investment in Vietnam, the Vietnamese Government’s structural reform efforts aimed at internal renewal have instilled confidence among investors. However, Kwon noted that reforms always come with challenges.
The impacts of change during the development process are inevitable. Therefore, if adverse effects can be minimised and public consensus strengthened, the outcomes will be significantly more effective. As such, the fundamental elements that must be ensured at present include transparency standards, orderly procedures, enhanced engagement with the public, and an efficient, scientific management system./.
This positive response stems from a shift not only in thinking but also in action among commune and ward leaders and officials, marked by a service-oriented attitude, enhanced decentralisation, proactive law enforcement, and the restructuring of an operating system that is more transparent and modern.
Vietnam’s shift to a two-tier local administration model marked a historic institutional reform, underscoring the country’s determination to streamline its state apparatus, making it more efficient, effective, and closer to the people.
Administrative procedures for citizens and businesses had been issued in a timely manner, with clear and detailed regulations, and were promptly put in place to ensure seamless implementation as the two-tier local administration model began operations on July 1.
The visits reflected the elevated position of Vietnam’s foreign policy in the new era—aimed at not only advancing ties with key regional partners like Egypt and Angola but also delivering a strategic message about Vietnam’s commitment to deepening relations with African nations as a whole.
At their talks and meetings, President Cuong and Angola’s top leaders affirmed that the close brotherhood and traditional friendship are a valuable shared asset and a solid foundation for the two nations to advance into a new phase of development.
The ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) attaches great importance to the friendship, solidarity, and comradeship with the Communist Party of Vietnam, and voiced her Party’s wish to further deepen and expand relations between the two sides for the benefit of the Vietnamese and Angolan people.
Vietnam pledges to do its utmost to build an ASEAN of solidarity, consensus, and unity in diversity, and to foster a fast and sustainable development path for ASEAN, grounded in science, technology, and innovation, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
