Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee Chairman, Nguyen Van Duc, recently met with District 1’s People’s Committee to discuss the city’s socio-economic situation in 2025 and issues related to administrative restructuring. The meeting saw the chairman propose bold new ideas for restructuring administrative units, potentially exceeding existing district boundaries.
Analyzing Administrative Restructuring in Ho Chi Minh City
As nationwide efforts to restructure local administrative units at the ward level are underway, Ho Chi Minh City is actively exploring optimal solutions for its local government structure. District 1 officials are considering two options: creating two new wards, Ben Nghe and Ben Thanh, by merging existing wards. This plan aims to maintain the current administrative boundaries, avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Discussing Ward Mergers – Image 1
However, this proposal is still in its draft stage and needs review by the District 1 Party Committee before being submitted to higher authorities.
New Direction: Restructuring Beyond District Boundaries
Ho Chi Minh City’s Chairman has introduced the idea of restructuring administrative units that extends beyond existing district limits. He gave the example of merging wards from District 1 and District 3, based on shared geographical, economic, and demographic characteristics. This approach suggests a flexible and innovative approach to administrative organization, aiming to optimize management efficiency and better serve citizens.
“We need to think big, act big, and move beyond existing limitations, proposing solutions that transcend current administrative boundaries,” emphasized the chairman.
Current Status and Timeline for Administrative Restructuring
Previously, Ho Chi Minh City successfully restructured 80 wards into 41 new ones, reducing the number of administrative units by 39. This decision was based on Resolution 1278/2024 of the National Assembly Standing Committee.
Recently, the Minister of Internal Affairs announced that the restructuring of ward-level administrative units would be completed by June 30, 2025. Nationwide efforts will focus on completing the merger of provincial administrative units by August 30, 2025, allowing for the immediate operationalization of new provincial administrative units starting September 1, 2025.
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City’s ongoing administrative restructuring is adopting a forward-thinking and proactive approach aimed at optimizing management efficiency. These flexible and concrete steps promise positive changes in serving citizens and boosting the city’s socio-economic development.
