The plan to reduce the country’s municipalities and provinces from 63 to 34 was approved by Vietnam’s Central Committee on April 12.
That means, the country’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, which currently has around 10 million residents, will soon absorb the neighbouring manufacturing powerhouse Binh Duong and the coastal province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau.
“I’m OK with it,” said a resident in his 30s in Ho Chi Minh’s suburbs, who requested anonymity due to the topic’s political sensitivity.
“People say that Ho Chi Minh City now has a beach.”
Overall, the restructuring has been positively received, with analysts predicting that it will reduce red tape and enhance development potential through improved access to coasts and ports. Provincial leaders will also be empowered to make quicker decisions, such as issuing business licences.
The consolidation is part of To Lam’s broader reform mission, which includes cutting government ministries and committees, eliminating district-level governments, and laying off 100,000 public sector employees.
