Speaking at the event, Minister Minh emphasized Cao Bang’s strategic importance as Vietnam’s northernmost province, noting its critical role in national defense, security, and foreign relations. He also highlighted the province’s untapped potential for socio-economic development, particularly in transport infrastructure, border trade, and tourism.

Minister Tran Hong Minh speaks at the administrative restructuring ceremony in Cao Bang Province.

Between 2019 and 2021, Cao Bang successfully completed the first phase of administrative unit reorganization, reducing the number of districts from 13 to 10 and communes from 199 to 161. As of now, 100% of commune-level arrangements have been finalized, with over 99.9% approval—an indication of broad consensus and political determination.

Minister Minh acknowledged the challenges posed by Cao Bang’s rugged terrain and scattered population, with over 95% of residents belonging to ethnic minority groups. He stressed that fragmented administrative structures have hindered infrastructure development, governance, and public service delivery. The recent administrative consolidation, therefore, holds significant political and practical value, enhancing government efficiency and public service capacity.

He urged the newly appointed local leaders to adopt a people-centric approach, take on their duties with dedication and responsibility, and ensure a seamless transition to the new administrative model starting July 1. "The happiness of the people must be the measure of public service performance", he said.

The Minister also emphasized the need for accelerated digital transformation to manage the approximately 600 administrative tasks being transferred from former districts to the newly merged units. In the construction sector alone, 115 tasks have been decentralized, including 94 responsibilities now assigned directly to commune-level governments.

Minister Tran Hong Minh presents flowers to congratulate newly appointed leaders of Cao Bang Province.

Looking ahead, Minister Minh called on Cao Bang to prioritize key transport infrastructure projects, including the Dong Dang – Tra Linh Expressway, its feeder roads, and the proposed Bac Kan – Cao Bang Expressway. He urged the province to make bold breakthroughs in transport connectivity, cross-border economic activity, and sustainable tourism development in order to unlock new growth drivers for the region.

During the ceremony, Minister Minh also presented flowers to provincial leaders and expressed confidence in Cao Bang’s capacity to implement reforms effectively and accelerate socio-economic development in the years ahead.