Vietnam Conducts Assessment of Local Governance Structure

Vietnam has initiated a detailed evaluation of its political structure, particularly the two-tier local government framework, after its first year of nationwide execution. This review was a focal point during a high-level conference led by Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra in Hanoi on May 15, 2026.

The discussions centered around creating a thorough assessment document that will analyze the efficacy of the revamped administrative setup within various ministries, sectors, and local authorities. Senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, Government Office, and other state entities participated to finalize the review plan.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra stated that the preliminary evaluation aims to offer a comprehensive and impartial review of the new governance system, identifying successful administrative advancements, operational successes, challenges faced, and lessons learned from the first year in action.

The two-tier local governance model was implemented as part of a broader administrative restructuring initiative intended to enhance operational efficiency, fortify state management, and modernize governance protocols. The reshuffling of administrative units and public service establishments across several regions and ministries accompanied this system's launch.

According to officials, ministries and municipal authorities will compile individual reports that will later be synthesized into a comprehensive national review document. The Ministry of Interior is tasked with drafting the primary document outline and coordinating data gathering from various agencies and locales.

The evaluation will heavily emphasize decentralization, power delegation, streamlining administrative processes, and digital transformation. Authorities are set to examine the effectiveness of public administrative service centers, infrastructure networks, financial practices, and the management of surplus public properties arising from the restructuring.

Officials have indicated that certain ministries have already made substantial strides in reorganizing public service units, particularly those related to science, finance, and industry, while acknowledging that progress in sectors such as education remains slower.

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the necessity of timely completion of the review process, urging ministries to consistently update their reports and statistical information. She also advocated for a candid assessment of personnel restructuring, staffing reductions, and local government efficiency following the first year.

The Vietnamese government anticipates that the insights from this evaluation will influence future reforms aimed at 2026 to 2030, aiming to reinforce governance structure, bolster administrative efficiency, and support the nation’s long-term developmental objectives.

A dedicated task force might be formed to oversee the review process, collate information, and finalize reports for the national evaluation. Authorities assert that the findings will provide crucial guidance for upcoming policy-making and administrative modernization efforts throughout Vietnam.