Acceleration of Administrative Reform at the 14th Party Congress

Administrative District Consolidation and Civil Service Downsizing

“Practice Over Slogans” with No Conflict

The winter air in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, often carries a palpable heaviness. The city’s basin-shaped geography traps motorcycle exhaust fumes, creating a hazy atmosphere that can make one question if a return is worth it. Nevertheless, Hanoi continues to thrive as one of Asia’s fastest-growing cities, with a remarkable real growth rate of around 8% last year. This economic vigor has attracted a growing number of long-term Korean residents, now estimated at about 60,000, who inhabit regions like My Dinh—a district that is rapidly transforming into a focal point for the Korean community.

As I wandered through Hanoi in mid-January, the city was alive with red flags in anticipation of the upcoming 14th National Congress of the Communist Party, scheduled from January 20-24. These bright symbols dotted major roads and government buildings, presenting a striking contrast against the dull urban skyline. Following the Congress, General Secretary To Lam, a veteran of the public security sector, was confirmed for a new five-year term. This moment marked the beginning of a robust phase for the reform agendas previously laid out by the party.

Quiet but Intense Structural Reform

The most immediate takeaway from Vietnam’s recent political landscape is a sense of determined yet understated transformation. Unlike other nations that experience political upheaval characterized by loud protests and ideological clashes, Vietnam’s reforms are advancing quietly but steadily. Recently initiated administrative reforms serve as a case in point, indicating that the nation is ready for significant changes that have gained momentum amidst a regional backdrop where reform initiatives have stagnated.

Among the key issues facing many ASEAN nations are the corruption afflicting public officials and the unwieldy nature of administrative operations. Vietnam has met these challenges not with avoidance but through a direct confrontation. Under To Lam’s leadership, the government has embarked on a plan to streamline administrative procedures, merge administrative districts, and reduce the civil service workforce substantially. The existing array of 63 provinces and municipalities is being cut down to 34, with many intermediate districts being abolished entirely.

Today’s technological advancements in information management allow for better connectivity between central authorities and local operations, addressing the often cumbersome bureaucratic structures that have hindered large-scale national projects. In a recent discussion centered on administrative reform, General Secretary To Lam noted, “Administrative reform is not a measure to reduce the organization but a choice to manage the state better.” He argued that failure to eliminate unnecessary procedures and overlapping authorities would impede the nation’s growth.

A Shift Toward “Politics That Manages Reform”

The leadership in Vietnam is pivoting toward a “controllable state.” The acknowledgment that a bloated civil service can slow down policy execution and obscure accountability is crucial for effective governance. The aim is not merely to shrink state apparatus, but to reshape its structure to a manageable and efficient form.

The significance of the 14th Party Congress lies in its function as an affirmation of the ongoing reforms. Rather than acting as a platform for announcing new initiatives, it validated the restructuring already set into motion. The strategic selection of leaders within the Politburo favored stability and administrative capacity rather than radical shifts. The influence of figures from the public security sector—To Lam’s political base—remains strong, indicating that the current focus is on internal governance and societal stability rather than external ideological competition.

After the Congress, Vietnamese politics is being characterized as a transition from “politics that talks about reform” to “politics that manages reform,” according to Paek Jongmin, an emeritus professor at Busan University of Foreign Studies. The Vietnamese leadership is solidifying its path and concentrating on implementing reforms consistently, sidestepping grand proclamations.

What’s particularly noteworthy about these reforms is their execution without significant public conflict or unrest. This suggests that the leadership enjoys a solid foundation of trust from the populace. The emphasis is on making the system itself work efficiently rather than relying on political agitation for momentum. Anti-corruption campaigns are evolving from mere initiatives into institutionalized management practices, further clarifying the regime’s operational direction.

The Transition to a Managerial State

Vietnam’s transformation from a war economy to a managerial government paints a distinct picture compared to other ASEAN countries. The 14th Party Congress and ongoing administrative reforms signify that the Vietnamese leadership is steadfastly ready to embrace this shift. The country’s determination to understand and rectify its bureaucratic inefficiencies stands out as a potential model for other Asian nations facing similar challenges.

While Vietnam may not serve as a one-size-fits-all blueprint for economic or industrial systems, its commitment to acknowledging internal inefficiencies and tackling them at a structural level showcases a unique adaptive strategy. In a rapidly evolving world, the Vietnamese approach offers an intriguing insight into governance, reform implementation, and the balancing act of managing growth while maintaining social and political stability.

Jeong Hojae, Secretary-General of the Asia Vision Forum