The abolition of the intermediate administrative level (the district level) represents a major institutional breakthrough, facilitating a fundamental shift from traditional administrative management to developmental and enabling governance. The study focuses on analyzing the initial positive outcomes of the reform, including the streamlining of the administrative apparatus, the optimization of administrative processes through digital technologies, the promotion of decentralization, and the enhancement of government proximity and responsiveness to citizens. At the same time, the article candidly identifies several systemic challenges, including the significant increase in workload at the grassroots level, limitations in implementation capacity, and institutional bottlenecks affecting intergovernmental coordination and policy execution. Based on these findings, the study proposes several key policy recommendations to further develop a modern, effective, and citizen-oriented public governance model.
Keywords: Two-tier local government; Development governance; Administrative management; Administrative streamlining; Institutional reform; Innovation in leadership methods.
I. INTRODUCTION
For decades, Vietnam's three-tier local government system (Province/City – District – Commune/Ward) served as a stable institutional framework for local governance. However, under the pressures of rapid urbanization, increasing population concentration, and the growing demands of the digital economy, this governance model gradually revealed inherent structural limitations. The existence of an intermediate administrative tier (particularly the district level) - often created additional layers of bureaucratic procedures, prolonged decision-making processes and weakened accountability.
Against this backdrop, the transition to a two-tier local government system (Province/City – Commune/Ward) has been regarded as a far-reaching institutional reform. Reviewing the first year of its implementation is not merely an exercise in assessing administrative performance or statistical outcomes; rather, it provides an opportunity to examine a more profound transformation in governance philosophy from traditional administrative management to development-oriented governance. Under the traditional administrative management model, governance primarily emphasized hierarchical authority, strict procedural compliance, and top-down command-and-control mechanisms. By contrast, the new development-oriented governance model prioritizes performance outcomes, optimizes the mobilization and allocation of social resources, enhances institutional adaptability to changing socio-economic conditions, and places citizens and businesses at the center of public service delivery.
II. A HISTORIC TRANSITION IN THE ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY
1 July 2025 marked the official nationwide implementation of Vietnam's two-tier local government system under the Party's and the State's policy of reforming the organization of the state apparatus. This reform represents not only a restructuring of the administrative system but also a significant transformation in the institutional philosophy underlying the organization of local governmental authority, reflecting the broader requirements of modernizing national governance in a new stage of development.
Within the broader process of building a socialist rule-of-law state in Vietnam, institutional reform of the state apparatus has consistently been regarded as a central priority for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of public administration while enhancing the quality of public services. Practical experience has demonstrated that the former three-tier local government system exhibited several structural shortcomings, including fragmented resource allocation, lengthy administrative procedures and limited flexibility in policy implementation. In the context of digital transformation and the imperative to streamline the administrative apparatus, the transition to a two-tier system has become an inevitable institutional choice for strengthening governance effectiveness.
From the perspective of public governance, the two-tier local government model reflects a transition from a multilayered administrative management system to a modern governance framework characterized by decentralization, accountability and service effectiveness. Under this arrangement, the provincial level assumes primary responsibility for strategic planning, development coordination, and oversight of policy implementation, while the commune level serves as the frontline government directly responsible for addressing the needs of citizens and businesses.
After one year of implementation, the new governance model has begun to generate positive outcomes in institutional restructuring, the clarification of governmental responsibilities, administrative procedure reform and the delivery of public services. Nevertheless, the implementation process has also revealed several challenges requiring further attention, including increased administrative burdens at the commune level, disparities in institutional and administrative capacity among localities and the need to further strengthen the legal framework for decentralization and mechanisms for ensuring accountability and controlling the exercise of public power.
Against this background, this article examines the first year of implementation of the two-tier local government system from the perspective of the transformation of local public governance. Through policy analysis, documentary research, and a comparative examination of the legal framework and implementation practices, the study clarifies the theoretical foundations of the new governance model, evaluates its initial outcomes, identifies emerging challenges, and proposes several policy directions for further improving the effectiveness of local governance in the years ahead.
III. THEORETICAL FOUNDATION AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF THE TWO-TIER LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
3.1. The concept of the two-tier local government system in contemporary public sector reform
In the fields of administrative science and modern public governance, the organization of local government has continually evolved in response to socio-economic development and the changing requirements of national governance. Across many countries, public sector reforms have increasingly focused on streamlining intermediate administrative tiers, strengthening decentralization, expanding local autonomy and enhancing accountability in order to improve the efficiency and quality of public service delivery.
Within this context, the two-tier local government system refers to an organizational model comprising only two fully constituted levels of local government, the provincial level and the commune level, while redefining the functions, responsibilities and powers of each level in accordance with the principles of clearly assigned functions, clearly defined responsibilities, adequate resource allocation and effective accountability and oversight mechanisms. The essence of this model lies not merely in eliminating an administrative tier but in restructuring public authority to create a governance system that is leaner, more flexible and more responsive to citizens.
From a public governance perspective, this model reflects a transition from a multilayered administrative management system to a governance framework centered on implementation effectiveness. It aims to shorten decision-making processes, enhance the autonomy of grassroots authorities and promote a modern, transparent and citizen-centered public administration.
3.2. Theoretical foundations of the two-tier local government system
The two-tier local government system is built upon three principal theoretical foundations.
First, it draws upon the theory of decentralization and devolution, which emphasizes the simultaneous transfer of authority, resources and responsibilities to lower levels of government. Such an approach enables public decisions to be made closer to local realities, thereby improving implementation effectiveness and administrative responsiveness.
Second, the model is grounded in the principles of modern public governance, which regard accountability as a fundamental governance principle. Administrative authority must be accompanied by corresponding responsibility, ensuring that decision-making authority and responsibility for implementation outcomes are clearly assigned.
Third, the model is informed by the concept of the developmental state, under which the role of government extends beyond administrative control to creating an enabling environment for socio-economic development. Within the two-tier governance structure, the provincial government is primarily responsible for strategic planning, development coordination and policy oversight, whereas the commune government directly delivers public services and addresses issues arising from local communities and businesses.
In the Vietnamese context, the adoption of the two-tier local government model also responds to the strategic objective of continuing to reform the state apparatus toward greater streamlining, efficiency, effectiveness and operational performance, while aligning local governance with the country's ongoing national digital transformation.
3.3. Operational principles of the two-tier local government system
The effective functioning of the two-tier local government system requires adherence to several fundamental principles.
First, it should ensure the unity of the national administrative system while expanding local autonomy, thereby enabling grassroots authorities to proactively address local issues within the framework of the law.
Second, functions, responsibilities and powers must be clearly delineated among different levels of government so that each public function has a clearly designated lead authority. This helps minimize institutional overlap, improve coordination and strengthen accountability.
Third, decentralization must be accompanied by adequate implementation capacity, including sufficient financial resources, qualified human resources, and appropriate digital and technological infrastructure, to ensure that local governments are capable of effectively carrying out their assigned responsibilities.
Fourth, administrative management should shift from direct procedural control toward performance-based supervision and evaluation. This approach enhances local initiative while simultaneously improving governance effectiveness, administrative efficiency and the quality of public service delivery.
These principles have gradually been institutionalized through the Constitution, legislation governing the organization of local government and the Party's policies on decentralization, devolution and administrative reform. Together, they provide the institutional foundation for Vietnam's transition toward a modern, effective and citizen-centered system of public governance.
IV. STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
4.1. Restructuring administrative units toward a leaner governance system
One of the most fundamental changes introduced by the two-tier local government system is the restructuring of the administrative framework toward a leaner organizational structure by eliminating intermediate administrative levels and improving governance efficiency. Since 1 July 2025, the abolition of the district-level government has fundamentally transformed the organizational structure of local government in Vietnam. This reform represents not merely the removal of one administrative tier but also the comprehensive reallocation of functions, responsibilities and resources between the provincial and commune levels, thereby shortening administrative processes and enhancing the effectiveness of public administration.
In implementing the policy on restructuring administrative units and establishing the two-tier local government system, Vietnam undertook an unprecedented nationwide reorganization of its local administrative apparatus. According to official post-reform reports, the number of commune-level administrative units was reduced from more than 10,000 to approximately 3,300, while the country was reorganized into 34 centrally governed provinces and municipalities. Several localities experienced particularly large-scale restructuring. For example, Hanoi reduced its commune-level administrative units from 526 to 126, Thanh Hoa from 547 to 166 and Lai Chau from 106 to 38. These changes illustrate the extensive scope and depth of the reform of Vietnam's local government system.
The reorganization of administrative units has facilitated the concentration of public resources, the standardization of the civil service, and the enhancement of public service delivery capacity. At the same time, the responsibilities of each level of government have become more clearly defined. Provincial governments are primarily responsible for strategic planning, development coordination and oversight of policy implementation, whereas commune governments directly perform state administrative functions, process administrative procedures and deliver public services to citizens and businesses.
Overall, the restructuring of administrative units under the two-tier model has established an institutional foundation for building a lean, modern public administration capable of improving governance effectiveness and meeting the demands of national development in a new era.
4.2. Restructuring State Administrative Functions
Alongside the reorganization of administrative units, the two-tier local government model has fundamentally transformed the organization and implementation of state administrative functions by shifting from a multilayered administrative approach toward a governance model driven by clearly defined functions, performance outcomes and public service needs.
The most significant change has been the substantial expansion of the role of commune-level governments. Rather than serving primarily as administrative implementing bodies, commune authorities have become the principal point of contact for delivering public services and addressing most of the needs of citizens and businesses. At the same time, provincial governments have shifted away from exercising authority through intermediate administrative levels toward concentrating on strategic development planning, resource coordination, institutional development and performance oversight.
Concurrently, many local governments have established Intelligent Operations Centers (IOCs), shared data platforms, and centralized systems for processing administrative procedures. These initiatives have gradually fostered a governance model based on data integration and digital technologies, thereby enhancing administrative efficiency and strengthening evidence-based policymaking.
4.3. Advancing effective decentralization and devolution
One of the key determinants of the effectiveness of the two-tier local government system is the substantive implementation of decentralization and devolution to the grassroots level. The abolition of district-level government has resulted in the transfer of a substantial number of state administrative functions to provincial and commune authorities, ensuring that administrative decisions are made and implemented at the level closest to citizens, consistent with the principles of modern public governance.
During the first year of implementation, decentralization was carried out on a nationwide scale. In Hanoi, following a comprehensive review of more than 2,000 state administrative functions, commune-level governments were assigned direct responsibility for 926 administrative functions and 661 delegated administrative procedures. In Hung Yen Province, more than 1,000 functions previously under district-level authority were transferred to commune governments. Nationwide, responsibilities in such areas as civil registration, land administration, construction management, social security and population administration have increasingly been assigned directly to grassroots authorities.
This process of decentralization has shortened administrative procedures, reduced the need for applications to pass through multiple intermediate levels, and enabled citizens and businesses to access public services more conveniently and efficiently. At the same time, the expansion of local authority has required commune governments to strengthen accountability, improve service quality, and make more effective use of public resources.
Overall, substantive decentralization and devolution have not only ensured the effective operation of the two-tier local government system but have also accelerated the transition from governance based on administrative hierarchy to governance driven by performance and public service outcomes. This transformation provides an essential institutional foundation for building a modern, efficient and citizen-centered public administration.
V. OVERALL OUTCOMES AFTER ONE YEAR OF IMPLEMENTING THE TWO-TIER LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
5.1. Reducing intermediate administrative layers and enhancing the speed and effectiveness of governance
After one year of nationwide implementation, one of the most significant achievements of the two-tier local government system has been the shortening of administrative implementation processes through the elimination of an intermediate level within the local government structure. This reform has not only reduced organizational complexity but has also improved the speed of administrative processing and the overall effectiveness of public governance.
Under the previous system, many administrative functions required processing through the commune, district and provincial levels, or vice versa, resulting in lengthy administrative procedures and delayed decision-making. With the abolition of district-level government, many administrative processes are now carried out directly between the provincial and commune levels, significantly reducing document-processing time and improving the timeliness of governmental decisions.
Practical experience from numerous localities has demonstrated encouraging results. In Hanoi, for example, many administrative procedures have been shortened by three to five days compared with the previous system due to the removal of intermediate administrative steps. Similarly, many other provinces have transferred hundreds of administrative functions directly from the former district level to either the provincial or commune level, thereby improving overall administrative efficiency.
From the perspective of public governance, the elimination of intermediate administrative layers has also clarified the responsibilities of each level of government, simplified intergovernmental coordination mechanisms and enhanced transparency in monitoring and evaluating implementation outcomes. These improvements constitute an important institutional foundation for building a modern public administration based on accountability and results-oriented governance.
5.2. Promoting administrative reform and improving the quality of public service delivery
One of the principal objectives of the two-tier local government system is to improve the quality of public services provided to citizens and businesses through comprehensive administrative reform. After one year of implementation, although the volume of administrative cases has increased substantially as numerous responsibilities have been transferred to the grassroots level, the overall performance of administrative service delivery has remained stable and effective.
In Hanoi, 95.77% of administrative applications were processed on or ahead of schedule. In An Giang Province, more than 587,000 administrative applications were received, with an on-time processing rate of 98.56%. Meanwhile, Tay Ninh Province processed over 1.21 million applications, achieving an on-time completion rate exceeding 99%, while overdue cases accounted for only approximately 0.02%.
These outcomes indicate that the streamlining of the administrative apparatus has not weakened the service capacity of local governments. On the contrary, the clearer allocation of responsibilities has enabled many administrative procedures to be handled directly at the commune level, thereby reducing processing time and enhancing the initiative and responsiveness of local authorities.
At the same time, the implementation of the new governance model has been closely integrated with the national digital transformation agenda. The adoption of electronic records, online public services and shared digital databases has enhanced transparency, strengthened the monitoring of administrative processing and contributed to the gradual development of a modern digital public administration.
5.3. Reducing social costs and improving the efficiency of public administration
The effectiveness of the two-tier local government system is reflected not only in the streamlining of the administrative apparatus but also in its capacity to reduce social costs and improve the efficiency of public resource utilization. After one year of implementation, the model has demonstrated encouraging progress in administrative reform and digital governance.
For citizens and businesses, shorter administrative procedures, fewer in-person visits to government offices and expanded access to online public services have reduced both the time and financial costs associated with administrative transactions. In Tay Ninh Province, nearly 2,000 administrative procedures can now be completed regardless of administrative boundaries, while the digitization rate of administrative records has exceeded 99%, significantly reducing the use of paper documents and related administrative costs.
For government agencies, standardized administrative procedures and the expanded use of digital data have substantially improved operational efficiency. In An Giang Province, more than 2,150 administrative procedures have been published in the National Administrative Procedures Database, while the rate of retrieval and reuse of digitized data has exceeded 93%, reflecting a gradual transition from paper-based administration to data-driven governance.
Overall, the establishment of an integrated digital governance platform linking provincial and commune-level governments has facilitated the standardization of administrative procedures, enhanced transparency and improved administrative performance. These developments provide an important foundation for the continued modernization of local governance within the broader context of Vietnam’s national digital transformation.
5.4. Enhancing citizen and business satisfaction: A key indicator of administrative reform
In contemporary public governance, the satisfaction of citizens and businesses is widely regarded as one of the most important indicators of government performance. After one year of implementation, the two-tier local government system has demonstrated encouraging improvements in the quality of public service delivery.
The transfer of numerous administrative functions to the grassroots level, together with the extensive application of digital technologies, has enabled citizens to access public services more conveniently while improving transparency and strengthening public oversight of administrative activities.
Evidence from several localities confirms this positive trend. In An Giang Province, the Public Service Performance Index for citizens and businesses reached 95.86 points. In many mountainous and remote areas, the provision of administrative services directly at the commune level has substantially reduced the time and travel costs incurred by local residents.
More importantly, the two-tier local government model has promoted a fundamental shift from an administrative management mindset to a service-oriented governance approach characterized by greater accountability and a stronger focus on the needs of citizens and businesses. These initial achievements demonstrate the practical viability of the reform and provide a solid foundation for further strengthening decentralization, enhancing local governance capacity and continuing the modernization of Vietnam's public administration.
VI. CHALLENGES EMERGING DURING THE INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TWO-TIER LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
Although the first year of implementation has produced encouraging initial outcomes, the operation of the two-tier local government system has also revealed several issues that require further research, institutional refinement, and policy adjustment. These challenges are inherent in any large-scale institutional reform, particularly when the transformation extends beyond organizational restructuring to encompass changes in governance philosophy, operational mechanisms and the implementation capacity of public institutions. Identifying and addressing these emerging issues is therefore essential to ensuring that the continued development of the new governance model is grounded in practical experience, objective assessment and sound scientific analysis.
6.1. Increasing pressure on commune-level governments
One of the most significant challenges associated with the two-tier local government system is the substantial increase in the workload of commune-level governments following the transfer of numerous responsibilities previously performed by district authorities. While this reform has enhanced the autonomy of grassroots governments, it has also placed considerably greater demands on local officials and civil servants.
In practice, the scale of delegated responsibilities has been substantial. In Hanoi, commune-level governments have been assigned 926 administrative functions and have assumed responsibility for 661 decentralized or delegated administrative procedures. In Hung Yen Province, more than 1,060 functions formerly exercised by district authorities have been transferred to commune governments. Nevertheless, many localities continue to encounter difficulties because their human resources, staffing levels and institutional capacity have not yet fully adapted to these expanded responsibilities, particularly in newly merged communes with significantly larger administrative jurisdictions.
From a public governance perspective, decentralization can achieve its intended objectives only when accompanied by adequate institutional capacity and resource support. If the transfer of responsibilities is not matched by corresponding increases in personnel, financial resources and governance infrastructure, excessive workloads at the grassroots level may adversely affect implementation effectiveness and the quality of public service delivery.
6.2. Disparities in institutional capacity among localities
Another significant challenge during the first year of implementation has been the variation in institutional and administrative capacity across different localities. While many provinces and centrally governed municipalities, benefiting from stronger human resources, more advanced digital infrastructure, and higher governance capacity, have adapted rapidly to the new institutional framework, many mountainous, remote and socio-economically disadvantaged areas continue to face considerable implementation challenges.
These disparities are reflected in differences in the quality of the civil service, the level of information technology infrastructure, the capacity to utilize digital data and the operation of electronic government platforms. Practical experience indicates that localities with more advanced digital transformation capabilities generally achieve higher rates of online administrative processing and demonstrate stronger capacity for data-driven governance and decision-making. By contrast, many less-developed areas require additional time, investment and institutional support to adapt effectively to the new governance model.
These experiences demonstrate that the success of decentralization depends not only on institutional design but also on the implementation capacity of local governments. Consequently, alongside expanding local autonomy, continued investment in digital infrastructure, capacity building for public officials and targeted support mechanisms for disadvantaged localities will be essential to ensuring the consistent and effective implementation of the two-tier local government system throughout the country.
6.3. The need for further refinement of the decentralization framework
After one year of implementation, significant progress has been made in clarifying the allocation of authority between provincial and commune-level governments. Nevertheless, several aspects of the decentralization framework still require further refinement. Although the Government has promulgated numerous legal instruments governing decentralization, devolution and the allocation of administrative authority, implementation in certain localities has revealed shortcomings relating to intergovernmental coordination, resource allocation, and implementation guidance.
In some policy areas, the division of responsibilities among government agencies remains insufficiently defined. In other cases, the transfer of administrative functions has proceeded more rapidly than the preparation of the necessary human resources, financial capacity and operational conditions, resulting in a mismatch between delegated authority and implementation capacity.
From the perspective of public governance, decentralization can be effective only when authority, responsibility and resources are aligned in a coherent institutional framework. Accordingly, further efforts should focus on reviewing and improving the legal framework, clarifying the allocation of governmental responsibilities, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that decentralization is implemented consistently and effectively across the country.
Overall, the challenges encountered during the first year of implementation do not undermine the soundness of the policy of establishing the two-tier local government system. Rather, they reflect the inevitable difficulties associated with a comprehensive process of institutional reform. At the same time, these practical experiences provide an important empirical basis for further refining the governance model toward greater effectiveness, modernization and long-term sustainability.
VII. ENSURING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TWO-TIER LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN THE NEXT PHASE
The initial outcomes achieved after one year of implementation demonstrate that the two-tier local government system has generated significant improvements in organizational restructuring, administrative reform and the effectiveness of local governance. However, both international experience and Vietnam's implementation experience indicate that the success of large-scale institutional reform depends not only on its initial design but also on the capacity for continuous adaptation and improvement throughout the implementation process. Therefore, to fully realize the reform potential of the two-tier local government system and ensure its long-term stability and effectiveness, it is essential to further strengthen the institutional framework, human resources, digital infrastructure and mechanisms for accountability and oversight.
7.1. Further Improving the Institutional and Legal Framework
A sound institutional framework constitutes the foundation for the effective operation of the two-tier local government system. Accordingly, the next phase of reform should focus on reviewing, revising and harmonizing legal provisions governing decentralization, devolution and the allocation of responsibilities among different levels of government.
Although the Government has promulgated numerous decrees and legal instruments to provide the legal basis for transferring responsibilities from district authorities to provincial and commune governments, practical implementation has demonstrated the need for further refinement of mechanisms for intergovernmental coordination, fiscal arrangements, and the legal framework governing implementation responsibilities.
Priority should therefore be given to clearly defining the scope of authority at each level of government, specifying the responsibilities of each public authority and its leadership, and implementing the principle of “one task – one accountable authority”. This approach will help minimize institutional overlap and eliminate gaps in public administration. At the same time, stronger mechanisms for oversight and accountability should be established to ensure that decentralization is implemented in a consistent, transparent and effective manner.
7.2. Enhancing the Quality of the Civil Service
The quality of public officials and civil servants is a decisive factor in determining the effectiveness of the two-tier local government system. Practical experience has shown that, even under the same decentralization framework, implementation outcomes vary considerably among localities, underscoring the critical importance of governance capacity and human resource quality.
The transfer of numerous responsibilities from district authorities to commune governments has imposed higher professional and managerial requirements on grassroots officials. Under the new governance model, civil servants are expected not only to perform traditional administrative functions but also to adopt a service-oriented mindset, strengthen cross-sectoral coordination, and effectively utilize digital technologies in public administration.
Accordingly, training and professional development programs should shift from a knowledge-based approach toward competency-based capacity building. Priority should be given to developing skills in data governance, policy analysis, digital platform management, results-based management and citizen engagement in digital environments. These competencies constitute the essential foundation for building a professional civil service capable of meeting the demands of a modern public administration.
7.3. Accelerating digital transformation and data-driven governance
Digital transformation is a fundamental prerequisite for the effective operation of the two-tier local government system. The benefits of administrative streamlining and decentralization can only be fully realized when supported by integrated, interoperable and shareable digital information systems across all levels of government.
Experience during the first year of implementation indicates that localities with more advanced digital infrastructure have generally achieved superior administrative performance. For example, Tay Ninh Province has digitized more than 99% of its administrative records, while An Giang Province has achieved a digital data reuse rate exceeding 93%, significantly improving administrative efficiency.
In the coming years, continued efforts should focus on establishing a unified digital public administration linking provincial and commune governments, expanding sector-specific databases and strengthening data interoperability and information sharing among government agencies. The objective should extend beyond the digitization of administrative records toward the gradual development of a data-driven governance model capable of enhancing policymaking, resource management, and performance monitoring.
7.4. Strengthening monitoring and performance evaluation mechanisms
Decentralization must be accompanied by effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure consistency in public administration and strengthen the accountability of local governments.
In the next phase of reform, monitoring should gradually shift from emphasizing procedural compliance toward evaluating implementation outcomes and the quality of public service delivery. Indicators such as the on-time completion rate of administrative procedures, citizen and business satisfaction, the effectiveness of public service delivery, digital transformation performance and the efficiency of public budget utilization should become key performance measures for evaluating local government performance.
At the same time, the performance evaluation system should be further refined by linking implementation outcomes more closely to the responsibilities of agency leaders, while strengthening accountability and transparency throughout the public administration system. These measures constitute essential conditions for ensuring that the two-tier local government system operates effectively, efficiently and sustainably over the long term.
VIII. CONCLUSION
After one year of nationwide implementation, the two-tier local government system has demonstrated its initial feasibility and has generated positive changes in organizational restructuring, administrative reform and the effectiveness of local governance. These achievements indicate that the reform of the local government system is well aligned with Vietnam's objective of building a lean, high-performing, effective and efficient public administration.
From the perspective of public governance, the two-tier local government system represents more than an administrative restructuring. It reflects a broader transformation in the philosophy of public governance toward greater decentralization, stronger accountability, accelerated digital transformation, and a governance model that places citizens and businesses at the center of public service delivery.
Looking ahead, the long-term success of the reform will depend on continued efforts to improve the institutional and legal framework, strengthen the capacity of public officials and civil servants, expand digital infrastructure and enhance mechanisms for monitoring and performance evaluation. When these enabling conditions are developed in a coordinated and comprehensive manner, the two-tier local government system will provide a solid institutional foundation for modernizing Vietnam's system of public governance and promoting sustainable national development in the new era.
Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh
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