HCMC — The Government has proposed that the existing special mechanisms for five major cities be maintained following administrative mergers.
The proposal, presented at a National Assembly session on May 19, seeks to allow HCMC, Haiphong, Danang, Khanh Hoa, and Can Tho to continue enjoying the special policies approved prior to the provincial merger plan.
According to Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang, 10 localities currently operate under special mechanisms based on specific laws or National Assembly resolutions. Six of these—Haiphong, Danang, Khanh Hoa, Daklak, HCMC, and Can Tho—have been directly affected by changes in local government structure.
The administrative reorganization will alter jurisdictional boundaries, population size, and governance frameworks. The Government said transitional provisions are needed to maintain legal and policy continuity in affected areas.
The proposal also includes newly merged communes and wards in Buon Ma Thuot City, Daklak Province, which would be allowed to apply corresponding special policies.
Phan Van Mai, head of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, presented the committee’s assessment. He said the proposed transition would impact local budgets and economic activity.
The committee urged the Government to assess policy effects and uphold the principle of balanced state revenues and expenditures. It also called for a review of special mechanisms after the mergers, with possible legal adjustments to reflect current conditions.
