March 1, 2025 stood as a significant milestone when the new organisational apparatus of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government bodies officially began operations, following a period of intensive restructuring and streamlining.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (thrid, left) hands over the decision to establish the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs to leaders of the ministry.

Within just the first 15 days of March - the month marking the commencement of the new organisational apparatus - a series of swift, decisive, and practical national and social policy decisions were made, demonstrating a firm commitment to the principles of ensuring an “elite, streamlined, strong, efficient, valid and effective” newly-formed system.

The entire political system is continuing to promote unity and solidarity as it embarks on a new era, working towards realising the dream of a prosperous Vietnam.

March 1, 2025 can be seen as a particularly symbolic date when the new organisational structure of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government bodies began to operate following a period of urgent re-organisation and simplification.

Along with the central government, newly-restructured Party and administrative agencies at the local level across the country has also officially begun their operations.

At the regular government meeting for February, held on March 5, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed the preparation of administrative boundary adjustments for localities, in line with the latest guidance from the Politburo.

Recently, civil servants and staff from newly merged, restructured, and reassigned agencies have immediately begun implementing their tasks with clear allocations, decentralisation, and delegation of power, ensuring smooth operations from the very first day of the new structure.

Setting aside lingering concerns and uncertainties, as well as personal reflections, the Government’s focus has quickly shifted towards the important work ahead - demanding yet honourable. Even on the early days of the new system’s operation, a number of concrete and practical decisions have already been made.

A notable initial result was the Politburo’s recent decision, following a report from the Government on financial balance during and after the restructuring of the political system, to waive all tuition fees for students from kindergarten to high school in the public school system nationwide, with the policy to be implemented from the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

This decision was warmly welcomed by administrators, educators, and parents across the country, who expressed their appreciation, calling it a decision that is conformable to the people’s wishes and was socially significant. It aligns with the broader trends observed in developed countries.

This decision not only alleviates a financial burden for struggling families but also ensures the best educational opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

It is expected to raise the nation’s intellectual level and lay a solid foundation for improving the quality of the country’s human resources.

Also, in the first week of March, specifically on the afternoon of March 6, PM Chinh chaired a national online conference to address obstacles and accelerate the development of social housing, with 63 localities participating.

The PM emphasised the need for full engagement from the entire political system, including Party committees and administrations of localities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, mass organisations, people, and businesses in this crucial mission.

The Government leader explained that if people have to wait 5 or 10 years for social housing, it will not be effective. The country does not limit childbirth to combat population aging, but how can a family have more than two children if they only have 10, 15, or 20 square metres of living space?

This is not just about living conditions, but a drive for population growth, the PM's clear and heartfelt directions conveyed hope for people regarding their "homes" and the future of "settling down and flourishing" amidst the current context.

Alongside these social policies, the development of the private sector - the key driver of economic growth - was also prioritised during the first week of the new apparatus’s operations.

On March 7, in a working session with the Party Central Committee's Commission for Policies and Strategies on the private sector's development, General Secretary To Lam emphasised the need for a clear strategy for the private sector's growth, in line with the current level of economic development and the country’s new geopolitical and geo-economic context.

The Party chief pointed out the necessity to eliminate outdated perceptions, ideas, attitudes, and biases about the private sector, while encouraging the promotion of industrial thinking, entrepreneurship, and a nationwide business and start-up movement. His guidance is crucial in shaping and promoting the development of the private economy in Vietnam.

Earlier, on March 6, PM Chinh signed a decision to establish a steering committee for developing a private sector development plan. This decision reflects the Government’s quick response to implement the Party's policies on supporting the private sector's growth.

This move is a key step in ensuring the private sector's sustainable growth, enabling it to make a significant contribution to the nation’s prosperity.

In relation to other economic policies, just in the past week, the National Assembly and the Government have released several directive documents urging ministries, agencies, localities, and businesses to implement their assigned tasks and targets efficiently at the highest level, contributing to making breakthroughs and laying the foundation and impetus for double-digit growth.

Among the important measures, on March 9, the PM issued Official dispatch No. 22/CD-TTg regarding several key tasks to reduce administrative procedures, improve the business environment, and boost socio-economic development.

The Government leader instructed that at least 30% of administrative processing times should be reduced, along with at least 30% of business costs and the abolition of 30% of unnecessary business conditions.

In addition, all procedures concerning businesses must be conducted electronically, ensuring a seamless, efficient, and effective process.

The Government Office has been tasked with coordinating with relevant agencies and localities to draft a resolution for the reduction and simplification of administrative procedures related to production and business activities, which will be submitted to the Government for approval within March.

Additionally, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly approved a 30% reduction in land rental fees for 2024, which was agreed upon by all attending members in the session on March 14. This will be implemented through a decree to be issued by the Government.

The expected reduction of 4 trillion VND (156.64 million USD), or about 0.26% of the total annual State budget revenue, will not significantly impact budget revenues but will have a substantial effect on the recovery and growth of businesses, individuals, families, and enterprises.

The Politburo’s decision to waive all tuition fees for students from kindergarten to high school in the public school system nationwide has received warm welcome from the public.

Regarding the reduction of administrative procedures and improvements to the business environment, the PM has tasked the Ministry of Finance with researching and proposing an expansion of the VAT reduction scope in the second half of 2025 and 2026.

Over the past month, the PM held 10 working sessions with both domestic and foreign businesses to listen to their concerns and remove obstacles, while promoting growth.

It can be said that all important decisions thus far have been made and carried out with great urgency, specificity, and practical impacts.

The new apparatus is operating at full speed, continuously and without interruption, reflecting a strong commitment to Vietnam’s potential and strength in the face of new opportunities and fortunes.

The entire political system is continuing to harness the spirit of unity and solidarity, embodying the principles of “elite, streamlined, strong, efficient, valid and effective” as the nation moves forward into the new era, fulfilling the vision of building a prosperous and powerful Vietnam.