In a landmark session, Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) has approved a sweeping restructuring of the government under the 15th NA term, streamlining ministries and appointing new leadership to address the nation’s evolving priorities. The extraordinary session in Hanoi on Tuesday saw the adoption of resolutions that redefine the organisational framework of the government, reducing the number of ministries to 14 and establishing three ministerial-level agencies, while expanding the roster of Deputy Prime Ministers to seven. This overhaul, set to take effect on 1 March, marks one of the most significant administrative reforms in recent years, reflecting the Communist Party of Vietnam’s (CPV) commitment to efficiency and modernisation.
A Leaner, Focused Government
The restructured government will now consist of 25 members, including the Prime Minister, seven Deputy Prime Ministers, 14 ministers, and leaders of three ministerial-level agencies. Key ministries such as National Defence, Public Security, and Foreign Affairs remain untouched, underscoring their critical role in national stability and diplomacy. However, other sectors have seen notable consolidation. The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Construction have merged, with Trần Hồng Minh transitioning from Transport Minister to head the newly combined entity. Similarly, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has been absorbed into the Ministry of Home Affairs, creating a broader portfolio under the latter’s oversight.
One of the most striking changes is the creation of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions, formed from the existing Ethnic Minorities Committee and incorporating religious affairs previously managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Đào Ngọc Dung, formerly the Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, will lead this new ministry, tasked with addressing the complex needs of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities and managing religious policies in a country where cultural harmony remains a priority for the state. 
The resolutions also introduced two new Deputy Prime Ministers, Nguyễn Chí Dũng and Mai Văn Chính, bringing fresh perspectives to the executive leadership. Meanwhile, Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng’s appointment as Minister of Science and Technology signals a renewed focus on innovation, a critical area as Vietnam seeks to position itself as a regional tech hub.
Strategic Intent Behind the Reforms
Analysts view this restructuring as a calculated move by the CPV to enhance governance efficiency while aligning the state apparatus with national development goals outlined in the 2021-2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy. By consolidating ministries, the government aims to reduce bureaucratic overlap, streamline decision-making, and allocate resources more effectively. For instance, merging the transport and construction portfolios could accelerate infrastructure projects, a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economic ambitions, though some experts caution that integration challenges may arise if institutional cultures clash.
The establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions also carries deeper political significance. Vietnam is home to 54 officially recognised ethnic groups, with many residing in remote, underdeveloped regions. Policies targeting these communities often intersect with issues of national unity, security, and socio-economic equity. By creating a dedicated ministry, the government appears to signal a more focused approach to these challenges, potentially addressing long-standing grievances over land rights and cultural preservation. However, whether this translates into tangible outcomes remains to be seen, as resource allocation and policy implementation will be key tests.
The expansion of Deputy Prime Ministers to seven also suggests a broader distribution of responsibilities at the executive level, possibly to manage an increasingly complex policy landscape. Vietnam faces mounting pressures from global economic headwinds, regional geopolitical tensions, and domestic demands for sustainable growth. Distributing leadership roles may help ensure that critical areas—ranging from economic reform to environmental protection—receive adequate attention, though it risks diluting accountability if coordination falters.
Leadership Changes and Political Implications
Beyond structural reforms, the NA session saw significant personnel shifts that could shape Vietnam’s political trajectory. The election of Lê Minh Hoan, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Vũ Hồng Thanh, Chairman of the NA’s Economic Committee, as Vice Chairmen of the National Assembly, indicates a blending of executive and legislative experience at the highest levels. This move may strengthen the NA’s oversight capacity, ensuring that government policies are scrutinised with a keen eye on economic and rural development—two areas central to Vietnam’s identity and stability.
Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng’s shift to the Ministry of Science and Technology is particularly noteworthy. Vietnam has made strides in digital transformation, with initiatives like the National Digital Transformation Programme aiming to digitise public services by 2030. Hùng’s leadership could accelerate these efforts, though challenges remain in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas. If successful, such reforms may bolster Vietnam’s competitiveness in the ASEAN region, where countries like Singapore and Malaysia have set high benchmarks for technological advancement.
Challenges and Speculative Impacts
While the reforms have been broadly welcomed as a step toward modernisation, they are not without risks. Merging ministries, while efficient on paper, could lead to operational hiccups, particularly in sectors like transport and construction where large-scale projects demand seamless coordination. If integration is mishandled, delays in infrastructure development—already a bottleneck for economic growth—could worsen, though no evidence currently suggests such outcomes are imminent.
The creation of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions also raises questions about its scope and effectiveness. While the ministry’s mandate appears comprehensive, its success will hinge on adequate funding and genuine engagement with local communities. If reforms merely centralise control without addressing grassroots concerns, they may fail to deliver meaningful change—a possibility that remains speculative until implementation begins.
On the economic front, the restructuring could, if executed well, reduce administrative costs and improve policy coherence, potentially freeing up resources for social programmes or industrial investment. However, these benefits are not guaranteed, and estimates of cost savings remain unconfirmed. Analysts also note that expanding the number of Deputy Prime Ministers might complicate decision-making if roles are not clearly delineated, though this too remains a hypothetical concern at this stage.
Broader Context for a Global Audience
For readers unfamiliar with Vietnam’s political system, it is worth noting that the country operates under a single-party framework led by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). The National Assembly, while formally the highest organ of state power, functions in alignment with CPV directives, meaning that reforms like those adopted this week reflect party consensus on national priorities. The government restructuring is thus not merely administrative but a manifestation of the CPV’s strategic vision for governance in the coming decade.
Vietnam’s focus on efficiency and modernisation also mirrors broader trends across the ASEAN region, where governments are grappling with the dual challenges of economic development and political stability. In this context, Hanoi’s reforms could serve as a model—or a cautionary tale—for neighbouring states undertaking similar transformations.
As the new government structure takes effect on 1 March, all eyes will be on how these changes translate into policy outcomes. Will the streamlined ministries deliver on promises of efficiency, or will bureaucratic inertia persist under new labels? Can the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions foster greater inclusion, or will it struggle to balance diverse interests? And will the expanded executive leadership enhance governance, or introduce new layers of complexity?
For now, Party and State leaders have extended their congratulations to the newly elected officials, signaling confidence in the path ahead. Yet, as Vietnam navigates an uncertain global landscape—from trade tensions to climate challenges—these reforms represent both an opportunity and a test of the nation’s adaptability. The coming months will reveal whether this historic overhaul marks a turning point or merely a reshuffling of the deck.
