The event was held in accordance with Resolution No.60-NQ/TW of the 11th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee, dated April 12, 2025; Resolution No.202/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly on the rearrangement of provincial-level administrative units; and Resolution No.1663/NQ-UBTVQH15 of the National Assembly Standing Committee on the reorganization of commune-level units in the newly established Dong Thap province.
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General Phan Van Giang speaks at the event. |
With the consensus of the Politburo and the Secretariat, the provinces of Tien Giang and Dong Thap have been merged under the name "Dong Thap province," with the administrative center located in My Tho city. The new province now consists of 102 commune-level units, including 82 communes and 20 wards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Defense Minister Phan Van Giang emphasized that the merger of Tien Giang and Dong Thap was part of a comprehensive reform effort to streamline the Party and State's administrative apparatus, contributing to enhancing the effectiveness of management, expanding development opportunities, and strengthening the Mekong Delta’s integration with the Southeast Key Economic Region.
He noted that the newly-established Dong Thap province holds strategic importance in terms of national defense, security, foreign affairs, and regional economic development, serving as a key pillar in ensuring food security and boosting agricultural exports.
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The Defense Minister presents decisions and congratulatory flowers to provincial leaders. |
The merger is expected to enable the new province to leverage the strengths of both provinces to generate exceptional value and drive strong, rapid, comprehensive, and sustainable growth in this new historical phase. It fosters a favorable environment for planning and investment, particularly in river tourism, processing, logistics, and digital transformation, contributing to improving living standards, enhancing regional competitiveness, and reshaping the Mekong Delta. This aligns with Dong Thap’s development vision of becoming “Green – Smart – Creative – Culturally Rich,” aiming to build a prosperous and thriving locality, positioned among the leading provinces in economic and cultural development, gradually narrowing income gaps and improving the quality of life for its people.
In the new development phase, Dong Thap province is encouraged to target double-digit GRDP growth, significantly increase per capita income, well ensure social welfare policies, and raise the quality of education and healthcare. The province is also urged to build on its achievements, including having two UNESCO-recognized Global Learning Cities, to attract talent, encourage innovation and start-up, and position itself as the startup hub of the Mekong Delta.
General Giang called for accelerating the application of safe and organic technologies to production, processing, and value chains to increase agricultural value, expand markets, boost exports, and effectively respond to climate change.
The Minister of National Defense noted that the selected members of Party committees, People’s Councils, People’s Committees, and Fatherland Front Committees at both the provincial and commune levels play a pivotal role in the province’s future development. He added that the Politburo has full confidence that they will form a united, dedicated, and highly responsible leadership, capable of driving Dong Thap province forward.
In addition to ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the new two-tier local government system, the province must now focus on preparing for commune- and provincial-level Party congresses, leading up to the 14th National Party Congress. Every official and government body involved in the merger must make concerted efforts to disseminate new resolutions, laws, and policies to party members and the public.
General Giang acknowledged the sense of responsibility, solidarity, and consensus shown by the people of former Tien Giang and Dong Thap during the merger process, particularly in the rearrangement of commune-level units. He also commended the selflessness of many local leaders, civil servants, and party members who have voluntarily retired early or fully complied with new role assignments to facilitate a smooth organizational transition.
“Starting July 1, Dong Thap officially will embark on a new journey. I firmly believe that, with its revolutionary tradition, spirit of unity and innovation, and its aspiration for development, the Party, authorities, and people of the new Dong Thap province will overcome all challenges, fully realize their potential and strengths, and make contributions to national construction and defense cause,” General Phan Van Giang concluded.
Translated by Tran Hoai