This morning (July 1), Vietnam officially transitioned to a two-tier local government system across 34 provinces and cities. Starting from 6 a.m., shuttle buses were stationed at departure points to transport civil servants to work. At communes, wards, and public administration centers, staff were fully prepared to serve citizens.

W-z6759366381422_199c1c81fcb937ada5dae8b76cd8fec1.jpg
A representative of Thuc Phan ward, Cao Bang province, presents flowers to visitors from Spain. Photo: NTT

From today, 3,321 newly established administrative units at the commune and ward levels in 34 provinces and cities (including 2,636 communes, 672 wards, and 13 special zones) officially began operations.

The implementation of the two-tier local government model marks a revolutionary shift in organizational structure. Beyond addressing the bloated bureaucracy and overlapping administrative layers, it aims to optimize personnel structures and foster regional economic connectivity - paving the way for a new era of development.

From now on, overlaps in administrative responsibilities will be eliminated, resources will be allocated more effectively, and the administrative apparatus will be more streamlined, responsive, and citizen-focused.

In Lai Chau:

At Bum To commune, many residents arrived early to complete administrative procedures. Mr. Dao Van Khanh, Party Secretary of Bum To commune, shared that all preparations had been carried out carefully and methodically. On the morning of July 1, many citizens came for administrative services, with positive results that left them satisfied.

Bum To commune was formed by merging the former Can Ho and Bum To communes and Muong Te town. The new commune spans 384.08 square kilometers and is home to 11,711 residents - exceeding national standards. Strategically located and ethnically diverse, it includes La Hu, Thai, and Ha Nhi populations. The merger aims to improve management efficiency, enhance socio-economic development, and ensure national security.

The administrative headquarters is located in the former Muong Te town - the political, cultural, and economic hub of the district - ensuring convenient transport and governance.

W-z6759292605844_9049135368ae2474edca23e6a774618c.jpg
Locals complete administrative procedures at Bum To commune on the morning of July 1. Photo: DVK

In Ninh Binh:

At Nam Dinh ward, administrative operations ran smoothly. Many residents visited the ward office for public services. Staff greeted citizens at the entrance and guided them through procedures. Volunteers helped input data into digital systems.

Ms. Dang Mai Phuong (35) and her husband Lin Yi Chen (37, from Taiwan - China) came to register their marriage. Phuong said, “We chose the first day after the ward merger to register our marriage because it’s such a symbolic milestone. It’s also convenient to update our documents according to the new administrative designation.”

Resident Tran Huu Loi said, “I was unsure if procedures would change due to the reorganization, but the staff were very helpful and everything went smoothly.”

Mr. Tran Quang Thanh, Deputy Director of the Nam Dinh Public Administration Service Center, confirmed that operations were stable. Over 20 applications were processed on the first day, ranging from civil status to labor and social welfare.

W-d80bf962 2d71 4e29 a64a d914a69247af.jpg
Ms. Dang Mai Phuong (35), a resident of Nam Dinh ward, and her husband Mr. Lin Yi Chen (37) from Taiwan, China. Photo: Trong Tung

In Phu Tho:

Mr. Dang Xuan Phong, Party Secretary of Phu Tho, attended the first People's Council meeting of the newly formed Viet Tri ward. This ward was created by merging Tân Dân, Gia Cam, Minh Nong, Duu Lau, and Trung Vuong - now with a population of over 73,000.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Phong called on all civil servants to maintain unity, deepen their commitment, and place citizen service at the heart of their mission.

In Ho Chi Minh City:

At Vung Tau ward, services were efficient. Ms. Ngo Thi Bich Hong (31) received her updated social insurance booklet in just 30 minutes. “Staff were very helpful, and the process was quick,” she said. This ward, formed by merging seven former wards, now has over 117,000 residents.

Vice Chairwoman Tran Thi Bich Van said preparations had ensured the smooth operation of services, particularly in social insurance and land registration.

Ward Party Secretary Nguyen Tan Ban noted that Vung Tau had trialed the system in June, allowing for refinements before the official rollout.

vungtau.jpg
Mr. Nguyen Tan Ban, Secretary of Vung Tau ward, speaks with residents and staff during the administrative procedure process.

In Dong Nai:

At Tran Bien ward, dubbed the “super ward” of Dong Nai with nearly 200,000 residents, operations at 17 administrative counters were efficient. Ms. Lam Thanh Binh successfully completed her land title transfer. “Staff were responsive and supportive,” she shared.

Deputy Party Secretary Lam Tan Khai said, “We measure success by the satisfaction of our citizens.”

In Cao Bang:

At Thuc Phan ward, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Thanh, Vice Chairman of the ward, welcomed the first group of international tourists from Spain with flowers and warm hospitality. They visited landmarks such as Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave.

Local resident Mr. Tran Quang Hung was the first to process a civil status application. On the same day, the ward held its first People's Council session, chaired by Mr. Nguyen The Hoan. The council elected key leaders and discussed plans for future sessions.

In Hanoi:

Minh Chau commune, Hanoi's only island commune, also transitioned to the two-tier model. Officials had been rehearsing for over 10 days. Mr. Dinh Tuan Anh, Vice Chairman, emphasized the readiness and dedication of newly reassigned civil servants - many of whom commute 30 to 80 kilometers by road and ferry.

In Da Nang:

At Hoa Khanh ward and Tam Ky ward, public servants and youth volunteers guided citizens through administrative processes. Mr. Nguyen Van Nham, Deputy Director of Tam Ky ward’s service center, reported smooth operations. Elderly residents like Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien completed social welfare applications in just 15 minutes.

In Can Tho:

At Ninh Kieu ward - formed by merging three central wards - Ms. Luong Thi Kim Thao, a civil servant, said she felt honored to support citizens during this historic reform. Ms. Nguyen Hoang Thuy traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to complete a birth certificate extraction in only 10 minutes.

Deputy Chairman Nguyen Anh Hoai stated that new digital infrastructure and staff reassignment had been completed in advance, ensuring uninterrupted service.

In Hai Phong:

Nam Dong ward began with a Party Committee meeting to assign responsibilities to officials. According to Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung, Party Secretary, administrative offices opened at 6 a.m. to welcome citizens. The new procedures had already been tested and rehearsed in prior weeks.

In Quang Ninh:

At Ha Tu ward, Mr. Nguyen Hoang L. and his former wife came to register their remarriage. “We chose this meaningful day for our new beginning,” he said.

In Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh:

From 5:50 a.m., shuttle buses transported over 500 civil servants from Nam Dinh to their new workplaces in Ninh Binh. Mr. Pham Thanh Dong of the Department of Construction said the reorganization would lead to a leaner, more effective administration.

Civil servant Bui Thi Le shared, “I woke up early for the shuttle and am happy that my job continues smoothly despite the distance.”

By 7:15 a.m., dozens of buses had brought staff to new headquarters across the provinces.

VNN