Two-tier local government – A historic reform: Chinese scholar
The adoption of the two-tier local government model marks the beginning of a new era in Vietnam, as envisioned by its leaders. Although simple in appearance, this step represents a major leap forward in the nation’s development journey, promising benefits not only for current generations but also for those to come, a Chinese expert has said.
Prof. Dr Cheng Hanping, Executive Director of the Regional and Country Research Institute and Director of the Vietnam Research Centre at Zhejiang University of Technology. (Photo: VNA)
Beijing (VNA)🐠 – 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.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Beijing, Prof. Dr Cheng Hanping, Executive Director of the Regional and Country Research Institute and Director of the Vietnam Research Centre at Zhejiang University of Technology, described the move as a historic reform. He noted that the change reflects the strong resolve of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the bold vision of its leadership for the country’s future.
Professor Cheng highlighted that the adoption of the two-tier system demonstrates the CPV’s strong implementation capacity across all levels.
This marks the beginning of a new era in Vietnam, as envisioned by its leaders, he said, elaborating that although simple in appearance, this step represents a major leap forward in the nation’s development journey, promising benefits not only for current generations but also for those to come.
He further assessed that such a strong reform will have a significant impact on Vietnam’s future development in several key areas. It will reduce bureaucratic redundancy, ease the burden on taxpayers, and help streamline policy implementation, ensuring that all sectors focus on serving the people and advancing national development.
Importantly, Cheng noted, the reform sends a clear political message: public officials are accountable and can be removed if they fail to perform.
Commenting on the two-tier local government model, the Chinese scholar called it a valuable example for the world, especially for neighbouring China, which shares similar conditions. Vietnam, he said, has taken bold and courageous measures to eliminate overlapping institutions, cut unnecessary civil servants, reduce the burden on government agencies, and lower taxes for the people.
This reform is also a message that civil servants must prove their competence and make a real difference in their work, Cheng added./.
The two-tier local government model will serve as a key driver for Vietnam’s green economic development and enhanced governance capacity amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution and deep international integration, according to Prensa Latina.
RadioMundial, a key state-run broadcaster representing the voice of the Venezuelan government and people, aired a detailed segment titled the two-tier local administration: a historic turning point for the people.
The Law on Archives 2024 and its guiding documents, which took effect on July 1, 2025, provide a comprehensive legal foundation for the management of electronic documents. This framework supports the implementation of strategic, breakthrough decisions by the central government on restructuring the two-tier local administration system.
The leaders noted that the two sides had agreed to turn scientific and technological cooperation into a pillar and a new highlight of bilateral relations.
This is a crucial session to consider and give opinions on a wide range of issues to be submitted to the NA's 10th sitting – the final of the current term, which will review the 2021–2026 tenure and prepare for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s first general election.
The signed documents include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on scientific and technological cooperation, an MoU on copyright and related rights cooperation, and another on strengthening collaboration in renewable energy.
Vietnam’s participation in AMNEX 3 demonstrates its commitment as a member of the ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) and responds to the invitation of the Royal Malaysian Navy, showing support for multilateral international activities hosted by Malaysia.
Since the two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1992, the bilateral relationship has become a model of a very special, effective, and substantive partnership.
Addressing the meeting, Party General Secretary To Lam expressed his pleasure at meeting a large number of Vietnamese living and working in the RoK, acknowledging and appreciating their efforts in contributing to the growing Vietnam–RoK partnership.
He also welcomed the “Vietnam Private Sector Panorama” as a platform for dialogue, awareness-raising, and inspiring a wealth-creation movement, emphasising that it must deliver tangible results.
During a meeting on August 10 in Seoul with 100 representatives from the RoK’s intellectuals, associations, people’s organisations, businesses, and non-governmental organisations operating in Vietnam, Party General Secretary To Lam expressed his gratitude to Korean friendship, economic, cultural associations, universities, research institutes, individuals, and NGOs for their significant contributions to nurturing the Vietnam–RoK relationship.
Party General Secretary To Lam met with Chairman of the Republic of Korea (RoK)–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul on August 10 as part of his state visit to the RoK.
The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee is scheduled to convene its 48th session on August 11-13, with August 14-15 set as a backup date, according to the NA Office.
Vietnam’s Ambassador to Brazil and Bolivia Bui Van Nghi has led an embassy delegation to attend official events marking the 200th anniversary of Bolivia’s Independence Day.
Party General Secretary To Lam met with members of the Vietnam Innovation Network in Korea (VINK) and Vietnamese experts living and working in the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Seoul on August 10 as part of his state visit to the RoK.
In an interview with Korean media on the occasion of Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to the RoK, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that the visit demonstrates Vietnam’s strong resolve to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the RoK, with the aim of fostering greater political trust, closer strategic coordination, more substantive and comprehensive cooperation, and stronger bonds of friendship between the two countries' people.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is also a Politburo member and Secretary of the Government Party Committee, attended the 4th Party Congress of the EVN Party Organisation for the 2025–2030 tenure on August 10, directing EVN to ensure power supply to meet the country’s development demands with double-digit growth set for the coming years.
Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, along with a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam arrived in Seongnam Air Base in Seoul on August 10 afternoon (local time), beginning a state visit to the Republic of Korea from August 10-13.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly departed from Hanoi on August 10 morning for a four-day state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK), which is made at an invitation of RoK President Lee Jae Myung.
As part of the ASEAN Day celebrations, the Vietnamese embassy will also host the ASEAN Family Day 2025 in Ottawa to foster solidarity and community spirit among ASEAN members in Canada.
State President Luong Cuong’s trip once again reaffirmed the Party and State’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations. It also reflected the strong trend of enhanced cooperation among countries of the Global South in shaping a new, more multipolar, fair and equitable world order.
The outcomes of Party General Secretary To Lam's visit will serve as a driving force and source of inspiration for the two countries to inherit, promote, and elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, contributing to the national construction and development cause in each country, and to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
