What changed
2026-08-06 04:13 UTC → 2026-08-06 04:15 UTC ·
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Following In early August 2026 the Interior Ministry moved the city‑creation plan forward. Minister Nguyen Tiến Hai presented to the National Assembly a proposal that both provinces meet all five legal criteria of the 2025 Local Government Law and the seven standards required for centrally‑run city status. The draft sets Quang Ninh’s city establishment for 1 September, covering 6 231.27 km², 1.52 million people and 54 commune‑level units; Bac Ninh’s for 20 September, covering 4 713.75 km², about 3.99 million people and 99 units. Both areas are highlighted for strategic border and transport positions and for strong economic performance – together they contribute roughly 2.87 % of national GRDP and have attracted about $17 billion in FDI projects. The National Assembly is slated to vote on the resolutions, which will formalise the new city administrations while retaining existing public assets and personnel. This follows the Politburo’s June 2026 endorsement of a Type I smart‑city master plan, the Party formally approved the creation of two centrally administered municipalities—Bac Ninh (merged with Bac Giang) 3rd Central Committee’s approval in July, and Quang Ninh—at the third plenary of the 14th Central Committee (20‑24 July 2026). The Government adopted Government’s Resolution 205/NQ‑CP on 1 August 2026, tasking that tasked the Ministry of Interior with preparing the National Assembly dossier and coordinating inter‑ministerial input. Provincial authorities have since finalised the urban master plan, completed public consultations with 99 % approval, and submitted documentation to the Ministry of Construction. The development agenda emphasises a green, smart, high‑tech metropolis centred on semiconductors, AI and advanced logistics. Key infrastructure projects include a 5,000‑ha free‑trade zone linked to the new Gia Bình airport, Belt 4 and Belt 5 expressways, high‑speed rail lines, and a major e‑commerce logistics hub at the Bắc Giang International Logistics Centre. Cultural investment is highlighted by the state‑funded Quan Ho Folk Song Theatre. The 3rd Central Committee meeting also appointed Nguyễn Tiến Hai as Minister of Interior. On 4 August 2026 the Standing Committee of the 16th National Assembly voted to submit the city‑establishment resolution, confirming the administrative change. dossier. The reforms are positioned as growth poles in Vietnam’s strategy remain central to reach Vietnam’s goal of 65 % urbanisation by 2030 and to guide development toward 2045. On 6 August 2026 Interior Minister Nguyen Tiến Hai submitted the draft resolution to the National Assembly, setting Quang Ninh’s city status to start 1 September and Bac Ninh’s on 20 September. Both will retain their current provincial territories—Quang Ninh (6 231 km², 1.5 m people, 54 units) and Bac Ninh (4 714 km², ~4 m people, 99 units)—with existing offices and staff, while new city‑level structures are created. The proposal highlights their strategic transport and border positions and aligns with the broader urban‑regional plan. 2045 development vision.