Vietnam advances administrative reforms through two-tier local government model

Vietnam is seeing progress in its nationwide implementation of a two-tier local administration model and organizational streamlining. Recent inspections by the Politburo and the Party Central Committee Secretariat indicate that while the reforms are moving in the right direction, several bottlenecks remain regarding personnel, data, resources, and coordination mechanisms.

In Ho Chi Minh City, authorities have transitioned from stabilizing the administrative apparatus to improving personnel quality and implementation effectiveness through decentralized management and the use of technology and KPIs. Hai Phong has successfully stabilized its two-tier administration while pursuing double-digit growth and developing specialized economic zones. In Phu Tho province, efforts have focused on resolving digital transformation bottlenecks to maintain economic growth.

At the local level, initiatives such as the ‘friendly government’ model in Dong Nai aim to professionalize public service and increase satisfaction among citizens and businesses. In Bu Dang commune, specialized campaigns have been launched to assist ethnic minority populations in securing land use certificates, addressing difficulties in navigating national public service portals.