State President urges stronger, closer governance following administrative merger
State President Luong Cuong met with voters in Hoc Mon and Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, on June 28 to inform them about the outcomes of the ninth session of the 15th National Assembly and to address their feedback and concerns.
State President Luong Cuong meets with voters in Hoc Mon and Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, June 28, 2025. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) - State President Luong Cuong met with voters in Hoc Mon anꦚd Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, on June 28 to inform them about the outcomes of the ninth ses♊sion of the 15th National Assembly and to address their feedback and concerns.
Speaking at the meeting, the President praised the voters’ heartfelt and responsible feedback, which reflected deep concern for local, citywide, and national development. Their engagement, he noted, also demonstrated trust in the National Assembly’s activities.
He highlighted four key resolutions issued by the Politburo, referred to as the "Four Strategic Pillars", focusing on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, international integration in the new context, reform of lawmaking and enforcement, and the development of the private sector.
He noted that Vietnam’s socio-economic situation in the first half of 2025 showed continued positive momentum. Macroeconomic stability was maintained, inflation kept under control, major economic balances secured, and social welfare upheld. Living standards remained stable with improvements recorded. Many key economic indicators surpassed those of the same period last year, with GDP growth for the first half projected at around 7.3%, placing Vietnam among the fastest-growing economies in the region and globally. Political and social stability, national defence and security were maintained, social order ensured, and international integration enhanced, raising Vietnam’s international reputation and stature. Anti-corruption and Party-building efforts also saw continued positive progress, creating a stable and peaceful environment for national development.
President Cuong affirmed that the achievements mentioned were in no small part thanks to the contributions of the Party, authorities, and people of HCM City, including Hoc Mon and Cu Chi districts.
He noted that the upcoming merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau provinces will transform HCM City into a mega-city of roughly 6,770 sqkm and over 13.6 million people, with 168 wards and communes, including the Con Dao special zone. This unprecedented and ambitious reform aims to streamline governance, improve efficiency, and bring the administration closer to the people. However, it will pose significant challenges, requiring the united effort of the entire political system, Party committees at all levels, authorities, and strong support from the public.
In this context, the President urged the city to mobilise all resources to ensure the seamless and effective operation of the new two-tier local administration system, starting from July 1, with uninterrupted governance from the city to the commune level. The new system must not only function more efficiently but also be genuinely close to the people, ensuring no disruption to daily life while providing maximum support to citizens and businesses.
He emphasised that this new model requires high standards, with a large volume of work ahead. He stressed the importance of carefully selecting and organising personnel, with a merit-based, objective approach that prioritises matching the right people to the right roles.
He called on HCM City to continue implementing these national policies at the grassroots level in a way that upholds the Constitution and laws. He underscored the importance of democratic centralism and listening to the legitimate aspirations of the people. The city must effectively implement breakthrough resolutions that serve as the foundation and driving force for Vietnam’s development in the new era.
The President also stressed the need to further promote socio-economic development, ensure public security and order, and improve social welfare in the city.
He instructed the city to successfully lead and organise Party congresses at all levels for the 2020–2025 term, viewing this as a historic opportunity for HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong to jointly unlock their potential and create a new development space, contributing to Vietnam’s path towards prosperity.
Voter Le Van Khuyen from Thoi Tam Thon commune, Hoc Mon district, voices his opinion. (Photo: VNA)
During the meeting, voters raised concerns about ongoing challenges affecting daily life, such as urban infrastructure, planning, land management, and incomplete projects. They also shared thoughts on governance issues and public policies in the context of the transition to a two-tier local government.
Voters proposed increasing investment in information technology at the ward/commune level, establishing dedicated funding for IT infrastructure, upgrading internet connectivity, digital meeting equipment, and centralised data storage systems. They urged the rapid completion of online public service delivery, greater incentives and social engagement in building a digital economy and society, and expanded training for grassroots officials and the public through basic “digital literacy” programmes./.
Today, Ho Chi Minh City contributes over 20% of the national GDP. It proposes and implements groundbreaking institutional reforms, from renovating administrative procedures and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to piloting special mechanisms.
City authorities are urgently reviewing and aligning the urban railway development plan with the new administration model, focusing on station locations, depots, underground zoning and urban development following the transit-oriented development (TOD) model.
As Vietnam’s leading economic and cultural hub, Ho Chi Minh City continues to transform itself into a modern, smart metropolis. A key component of this transformation is the project to relocate power lines and telecommunications cables underground.
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At their talks and meetings, President Cuong and Angola’s top leaders affirmed that the close brotherhood and traditional friendship are a valuable shared asset and a solid foundation for the two nations to advance into a new phase of development.
The ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) attaches great importance to the friendship, solidarity, and comradeship with the Communist Party of Vietnam, and voiced her Party’s wish to further deepen and expand relations between the two sides for the benefit of the Vietnamese and Angolan people.
Vietnam pledges to do its utmost to build an ASEAN of solidarity, consensus, and unity in diversity, and to foster a fast and sustainable development path for ASEAN, grounded in science, technology, and innovation, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
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The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
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At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.