Following the National Assembly’s approval of a revamped organizational structure for the 15th National Assembly term, Vietnam’s new government apparatus officially went into operation on March 1.

The reformed government now comprises 14 ministries and 3 central agencies, with a total of 25 members - a reduction of 5 ministries and 3 officials from the previous setup.

This significant reorganization marks a move toward a leaner and more efficient government, as several ministries have been newly established or restructured.

Notably, 6 new ministries have emerged through mergers and internal reorganization, including the Ministries of Interior, Finance, Construction, Science and Technology, Agriculture and Environment, and Ethnic Affairs and Religion.

The remaining 8 ministries - Defense, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Industry and Trade, Culture, Sports and Tourism, Education and Training, and Health - continue with internal adjustments.

Meanwhile, the structure of the 3 central agencies (the State Bank of Vietnam, the Government Inspectorate, and the Government Office) remains unchanged.

At the helm of this reformed apparatus, the Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, along with 7 Deputy Prime Ministers, now enjoys a more focused role.

Under the new arrangements, the Prime Minister will directly oversee major strategic issues and decisions that have broad, long-term implications for national development.

Routine matters, already delegated to the Deputy Prime Ministers, will be handled at lower administrative levels to ensure quicker, more responsive governance.

The reform also reflects a shift toward greater decentralization and local empowerment. The guiding principle is “local authorities decide, local authorities act, and local authorities bear responsibility.”

The National Assembly’s revised Government Organization Law now grants the government and the Prime Minister broader discretion to manage urgent matters - such as national crises, disasters, or public safety threats - by implementing emergency measures beyond current legal provisions, with prompt reporting to the appropriate bodies.

In addition, the reformed apparatus aims to streamline legislative processes. The new framework allows the government to focus on stable, long-term policies while leaving more dynamic, rapidly evolving issues to be addressed by separate legislative measures.

This change is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and remove administrative bottlenecks, creating an environment conducive to robust economic growth - targeting a GDP growth of over 8% this year and aiming for double-digit expansion in the years to come.

As Prime Minister Chinh emphasized, “A lean government apparatus is essential for us to take off, to soar high and far.”

With the new structure in place, the government is poised to deliver more effective, efficient governance, address critical issues with speed, and create ample space for economic and social development.

Thu Hang