Vietnam Welcomes 9 Centrally-Governed Cities with Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh Upgraded

Vietnam officially has nine centrally-governed cities after the National Assembly approved the establishment of Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh cities. The resolutions, passed with unanimous support from attending delegates on August 24, will take effect on September 20, 2026.

With the addition of Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh, Vietnam's centrally-governed cities now include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hue, Dong Nai, Can Tho, Bac Ninh, and Quang Ninh. The government, along with the People's Councils and Committees of the newly formed cities, is tasked with organizing the implementation of these resolutions. This includes restructuring local administrative bodies and ensuring the stability and development of the region's economy, defense, and security.

Organizations and units previously named after Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh provinces will be renamed to reflect their new city status starting September 20. Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Tien Hai noted that the government will continue to study and propose measures to enhance decentralization and empower local authorities. Special policies for centrally-governed cities, including Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh, were included in the recently passed Urban Development Law.

These policies will cover areas such as investment attraction, finance, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, land management, and site clearance. The government will also guide the two cities in developing their own unique development mechanisms. Both Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh have established development plans for 2021-2030 with a vision towards 2050, emphasizing the preservation of global heritage values and cultural identity while enhancing urban quality. The establishment of these cities is seen as a catalyst for new growth engines, with Quang Ninh aiming to become a modern, green, and smart international economic hub focused on marine economy, tourism, and services, while also serving as a strategic national defense location.