Hanoi, March 5 -- The proposed merger of provincial- and commune-level administrative units must go beyond meeting established principles, criteria, and standards related to area and population, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Chairing a meeting of the Government's Party Committee in Hanoi on March 5, PM Chinh, who is also its Secretary, stressed the importance of preserving each region's unique geographical, socio-economic, cultural, and historical characteristics, while ensuring that merged units can complement and support one another.

He said the restructuring process must strictly adhere to Conclusion No. 127 issued by the Politburo and Secretariat. Under this reform, Vietnam's local administration structure will be streamlined...