Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 12 highlighted the need to counteract group interests and personal gains during the restructuring process of the organisational apparatus, and develop appropriate policies to safeguard officials and public servants’ legitimate rights and interests.
He made the requirement while chairing the second meeting of the Government steering committee to review the implementation of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, adopted by the 12th Party Central Committee in 2017, regarding several issues on continuing to restructure and streamline the political system for greater efficiency.
According to the steering committee, in response to a request by the Central Steering Committee on the review of Resolution 18-NQ/TW, the Government, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government-affiliated agencies have quickly implemented the restructuring of the political system to make it more streamlined, effective, and efficient. To date, they have basically completed their restructuring plans.
The steering committee has issued a plan to guide the streamlining and restructuring of the Government’s organisational apparatus, under which eight ministries and ministerial-level agencies will be maintained, while 14 others will be merged or reorganised. After the restructuring, there will be 13 ministries and four ministerial-level agencies (a reduction of five ministries), along with four government-affiliated agencies (a reduction of four agencies). Additionally, at the ministries, and ministerial-level and government-affiliated agencies, there will be a reduction of at least 15%-20% in the number of internal organisational units.
At the meeting, the steering committee reviewed a proposal from the Government’s Party Civil Affairs Committee regarding the drafting of a decree on regimes and policies for officials, civil servants, and public employees in the restructuring; the management of public finance and assets, and public investment projects; as well as the restructuring of state-owned enterprises. Based on this, it will finalise the draft decree which will be presented to the Politburo and the Central Steering Committee.
Concluding the event, PM Chinh assigned the Ministry of Home Affairs, the standing agency of the steering committee, to collect the feedback and coordinate with relevant agencies to continue refining the documents for submission to the steering committee.
He said the outcomes of this session should be sent to ministries, sectors, and agencies to serve as a basis for further completing their proposals under the guidance of the Deputy Prime Ministers assigned to oversee the process.
With the spirit of "clear thinking, high determination, great effort, and decisive action; and addressing each task thoroughly," the Government leader called on ministries, sectors, and agencies to uphold their responsibilities, put the nation and people's interests above all, and implement the organisational apparatus restructuring in a manner that suits Vietnam's circumstances and conditions, while drawing on international experience.
The restructuring must aim for a streamlined apparatus that is still effective and efficient. Functions and duties should not be eliminated; instead, additional responsibilities may be assigned to organisations, Chinh said, stressing the importance of enhancing the application of digital transformation in state management to avoid "ask-give" mechanisms and combat petty corruption.
For state-owned groups and corporations, the PM directed the classification of enterprises and the development of restructuring plans to ensure state management while enhancing the operational efficiency of these enterprises. Concurrently, he emphasised the need to continue perfecting relevant laws to ensure proper decentralisation and delegation of authority, and grant greater responsibility to the businesses themselves./.
See more
Vietnamese PM, UAE President discuss regional situation, promote bilateral ties
PM Chinh emphasised Vietnam’s readiness to cooperate with the UAE and other regional countries to promote the search for peaceful solutions to conflicts in the region.
Vietnamese PM holds phone talks with Qatari counterpart
Emphasising Vietnam's opposition to the use of force against sovereign states, especially against civilian infrastructure that results in numerous casualties, PM Chinh called for a peaceful solution to the region based on respect for international law, the United Nations Charter, and ensuring the legitimate rights of all parties.
Vietnamese, Kuwaiti PMs hold phone talks
PM Pham Minh Chinh commended Kuwait’s efforts and called on Kuwait and relevant countries to continue exercising restraint, promoting de-escalation efforts and seeking peaceful solutions based on respect for international law and the United Nations Charter, while ensuring the legitimate interests of all parties.
Party leader receives President and CEO of US’s GE Vernova
Vietnam always values and creates favourable conditions for US energy corporations to invest and operate in the country, bringing tangible benefits to the people and businesses of both nations while contributing to the development of bilateral ties, said Party leader To Lam.
NA, Government’s Party committees discuss agenda for 16th legislature’s first session
The 16th NA's first session, to be divided into two phases, is scheduled to open on April 6 and close on April 25.
Dien Bien rolls out red carpet for wave of international cooperation
A Dien Bien official said the province wishes to expand practical exchanges and cooperation with Japanese peers, thus contributing to the broader partnership between the two countries.
Defence minister highlights enduring friendship with Cambodia
The defence relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia has been growing in recent years, with their high-ranking leaders hailing it as a key pillar of broader bilateral ties.
NA Vice Chairman urges Ca Mau to ensure safe elections
Ca Mau was asked to give special attention to ethnic minority communities, residents in remote and disadvantaged areas, the elderly living alone, and people with disabilities, so they can fully take part in voting.
☕ Afternoon briefing on March 9
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
Politburo, Secretariat announce inspection of Party Committee of Central Party Agencies
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the inspection and supervision aim to comprehensively evaluate the leadership and direction of the Standing Board of the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies in implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress – a resolution carrying special significance, as it provides strategic orientation for the country’s development in the new phase.
OVs in Japan pin high hope on fresh policies from NA, People’s Council election
Overseas Vietnamese in Japan have expressed their high expectations that the upcoming election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure will help shape key policies to drive Vietnam’s development in the new phase.
📝OP-ED: Streamlining state apparatus: A foundation for rapid, sustainable development
The election is unfolding as Vietnam presses ahead with sweeping administrative reforms, including efforts to streamline the state apparatus and implement a two-tier local government model from the central level to grassroots authorities. Amendments to key laws are also aimed at strengthening decentralisation, improving the management of public assets and accelerating digital transformation, enabling citizens to access information more easily while fostering a leaner, more transparent governance system that better upholds people’s rights.
☀️ Morning digest on March 9
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.
PM asks Dien Bien province to make greater efforts for prosperity, people’s happiness
PM Chinh highlighted Dien Bien’s strategic location, sharing long borders with Laos and China, as well as its large natural area and rich cultural heritage of 19 ethnic groups, and strong growth potential for agriculture, industry, renewable energy, services and tourism, calling for greater efforts to create new momentum for sustainable development.
NA Vice Chairman inspects election preparations in southernmost Ca Mau province
The delegation noted that local authorities had launched preparations early and in a well-organised manner, reflecting strong determination and a high sense of responsibility. Communication activities have been carried out in various forms to disseminate official information and create a positive atmosphere ahead of the election.
Vietnamese NA helps build institutional foundations for long-term development: Canadian researcher
Pateman described the upcoming election as an important political event that helps reinforce governance mechanisms, enabling the State to mobilise public participation in national governance and development.
Expectations grow for improved lawmaking in 16th National Assembly
Looking ahead to the 16th NA, Thang suggested that further improvements to the legal framework supporting the private sector's development should be prioritised.
PM Pham Minh Chinh attends inauguration of restored Him Lam resistance site
Him Lam was regarded as the “steel gateway” guarding the Dien Bien Phu stronghold complex built by the French colonial forces. The site was chosen by the Vietnamese campaign command as the opening target of the historic battle.
Final-week tasks stressed ahead of NA, People’s Council election
Special attention must be given to groups such as workers in industrial parks, university students, the elderly, people with disabilities, ethnic minority communities and voters living in specific or remote areas, ensuring that all eligible citizens can fully exercise their voting rights.
Truong Sa voters cast early ballots for NA, local council elections
Voters at 20 out of the 22 polling stations in Truong Sa (Spratly) special zone in the central province of Khanh Hoa cast their ballots on March 8 in early voting for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term, one week ahead of the nationwide election day on March 15.