Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh Provinces to Become Centrally-Governed Cities

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee has agreed to transform the provinces of Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh into centrally-governed cities. This decision was made during the 14th CPV Central Committee's third plenum on July 24. Quang Ninh province recorded an economic size of over VND 368.445 trillion and total State budget revenue of VND 84.5 trillion in 2025, with its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growing by 11.89 percent. For 2026, Quang Ninh aims for a GRDP growth target of over 12.5 percent, with per capita GRDP reaching at least US$11,800. Meanwhile, Bac Ninh province, following its merger with Bac Giang, now covers an area of approximately 4,700 square kilometers and has a population of nearly 4 million. In 2025, Bac Ninh reported a GRDP growth rate of 10.27 percent, ranking fifth nationwide. With this transformation, Vietnam will have nine centrally-governed cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hue, Can Tho, and Dong Nai. These cities hold a high administrative status, often with significant autonomy in fiscal matters and development planning. The plenum also adopted a Resolution on building Vietnam into a strong maritime nation, emphasizing the sea as a vital space for national survival, development, and defense. The development of a modern marine economy must be coupled with ecosystem protection, livelihood improvement, and safeguarding national sovereignty. Furthermore, the Central Committee agreed to issue a Resolution that will shape Vietnam's national development model through 2045 and beyond. Another approved Resolution focuses on building a disciplined, safe, civilized, harmonious, and prosperous society, with human development, culture, the rule of law, social discipline, and a healthy social environment as its core pillars. Economically, the top Vietnamese leader reaffirmed the determination to achieve an economic growth goal of 10 percent or higher by the end of this year, while maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, ensuring major economic balances, and safeguarding employment, incomes, and social welfare. Under its one-party system, Vietnam prioritizes economic growth and actively seeks foreign investment. While having strong economic ties with China, the country also navigates geopolitical risks. The administrative reorganization and the formulation of national development strategies are crucial measures for sustained growth and national stability.