Hanoi Plans to Merge Five Departments in Administrative Overhaul

Hanoi is set to undergo a significant administrative overhaul, with plans to merge and reorganize five of its specialized departments. The proposed changes aim to streamline governance and improve efficiency within the city's municipal government.

Key among the proposed mergers is the combination of the Department of Planning and Architecture with the Department of Construction. This move is intended to consolidate functions related to urban planning, construction, and development under a single umbrella. Additionally, the Department of Tourism is slated to be merged with the Department of Culture and Sports, creating a new entity focused on culture, sports, and tourism.

The city also plans to reorganize the Office of the Hanoi People's Committee. As part of these changes, the function of foreign affairs management will be transferred from the Office to a newly established Department of Foreign Affairs. This new department will serve as the primary point of contact for the city's external relations and international cooperation.

Following these reorganizations, Hanoi expects to reduce the total number of its specialized agencies from 15 to 14. The Office of the Hanoi People's Committee will be restructured to focus on its core functions of advising the committee, managing official information, and serving as the hub for the city's electronic information systems. These reforms signal Hanoi's commitment to modernizing its administrative framework and enhancing its capacity to manage a rapidly developing urban center.