Venezuelan media spotlight Vietnam’s two-tier local government system as turning point
RadioMundial, a key state-run broadcaster representing the voice of the Venezuelan government and people, aired a detailed segment titled the two-tier local administration: a historic turning point for the people.
RadioMundial highlights Vietnam's shift to a two-tier local government system. (Photo: VNA)
Buenos Aires (VNA) – Venezuelan media outlets on July 1 gave prominent coverage on Vietnam’s institutional reform efforts, highlighting the country’s official implementation of a two-tier local government system and administrative boundary reorganisation aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
RadioMundial, a key state-run broadcaster representing the voice of the Venezuelan government and people, aired a detailed segment titled the two-tier local administration: a historic turning point for the people.
The report emphasised that the new model aims to streamline Vietnam's administrative structure by eliminating unnecessary intermediate levels, thereby bringing the administration closer to citizens and improving public service delivery.
Quoting Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, RadioMundial highlighted that this reform demonstrates the Vietnamese Party and Government's strong commitment to optimising administrative operations and enhancing service to the population.
Meanwhile, teleSUR, the multinational broadcaster headquartered in Venezuela and widely watched across Latin America, including in Cuba and Nicaragua, reported extensively on Vietnam’s unprecedented reform process.
The channel detailed Vietnam’s steps such as amendments to the Constitution, the Law on Organisation of Local Government, the Law on Government Organisation, and the issuance of 40 government decrees, including 28 focused on decentralisation and delegation of more power to localities.
teleSUR also noted the bold administrative restructuring targets a reduction of approximately 250,000 personnel, including 130,000 civil servants and 120,000 part-time staff at the commune level. This streamlining effort is expected to save the state budget over 7.3 billion USD between 2026 and 2030.
In addition to improved governance, both RadioMundial and teleSUR commented on the broader goals of the reform. Vietnam’s restructuring is anticipated to create new growth spaces for localities, attract investment, improve infrastructure, ensure social welfare, and strengthen regional connectivity. These developments are seen as concrete steps toward building a modern rule-of-law, service-oriented state.
🎶 In an interview with local media on the same day, Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My stated that the close attention and positive assessment from Latin American media reflect that Vietnam’s administrative reform is not only of domestic significance but also serves as a valuable reference model internationally./.
As the whole nation implemented the two-tier local government system on July 1, all 168 wards, communes, and special zones in Ho Chi Minh City swiftly came into full operation, with public servants beginning to process administrative procedures seamlessly from the very first day.
Initial success has been achieved as people now understand that the overhaul will save public expenditure, foster more balanced development, and enable the formation of new economic hubs. The ultimate goal is to develop digital government, smart smart cities, integrated economic zones, and flexible administrative models that offer faster, more transparent public services, saving time and costs for both citizens and businesses.
From July 1, 2025, Vietnam officially implements the two-tier local administration model nationwide, comprising the provincial and commune levels. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s administrative reform process, setting the course for sustainable and long-term development.
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