Hanoi Plans Administrative Overhaul: Merging Planning & Architecture Dept. into Construction Dept.

Hanoi is planning a significant administrative overhaul aimed at enhancing efficiency and strengthening governmental functions. A key component of this plan involves merging the Department of Planning and Architecture into the Department of Construction. This integration is intended to foster more unified management of urban planning, construction, and infrastructure development processes. The current Department of Construction is responsible for advising and assisting the municipal People's Committee in its state management functions related to construction planning and architecture, construction investment activities, urban development, and urban and rural technical infrastructure. This includes areas such as water supply, drainage and wastewater treatment, urban parks and green spaces, urban lighting, cemeteries, crematoria, transport infrastructure, underground space management, housing, and the real estate market. Furthermore, Hanoi plans to establish a new Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism by merging the existing Department of Tourism with the Department of Culture and Sports. Recognizing Hanoi's role as the capital, a dedicated Department of Foreign Affairs will also be created to serve as the focal point for diplomatic activities. Consequently, the Office of the Municipal People's Committee will undergo reorganization. These reforms are projected to reduce the number of specialized municipal departments from the current 15 to 14. The reorganized Office of the Municipal People's Committee will focus on advising on the work plans of the Committee and its Chairman, managing and disseminating official information regarding the Committee's activities, serving as the gateway for the city's e-government portal, and connecting to the electronic administrative information system to support the Committee's leadership and operational directives. The resolution detailing these changes is expected to be considered and adopted at the 6th session (specialized session) of the Hanoi People's Council. Source: VnExpress