Hanoi, April 15 -- The Government has proposed converting 11 island districts into special zones under their respective provinces, namely Van Don, Co To, Cat Hai, Truong Sa, Hoang Sa, Phu Quy, Kien Hai, Bach Long Vi, Con Co, Ly Son and Con Dao.

The proposal, grounded in extensive research, aims to eliminate the intermediate district level and re-arrange commune-level administrative units to form new communes, wards, and special zones. This streamlined model seeks to bring administrations closer to residents, ensuring more responsive and efficient governance.

Under the restructuring plan, merged wards will retain their ward status, while consolidated communes or towns will be classified as communes. Notably, the Government has approved, ...