During a group discussion on the afternoon of October 21, delegates reviewed reports on the 2021-2026 term of the State President and Government, along with draft summaries from the National Assembly and other key state bodies.

Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi, a delegate from Vinh Long, raised concerns about insufficient infrastructure following the administrative merger of several provinces. She noted that combining Bến Tre, Trà Vinh, and Vĩnh Long has created significant logistical challenges for public servants, residents, and businesses alike.

In many cases, civil servants at the commune level have had to take on unfamiliar roles following the restructuring. Nhi emphasized the need for comprehensive training and capacity building from central to local levels to help staff adapt and better serve the public.

She also highlighted that while many officials benefited from early retirement or severance packages, those who remained in the system are now handling significantly more responsibilities.

"Many have reached out to me ahead of this session, asking that salary reform be expedited so that their earnings reflect their efforts and keep them motivated to stay," she said, proposing that the government begin implementing comprehensive wage reform in early 2026.

Delegate To Thi Bich Chau from Ho Chi Minh City added that national reports should include greater acknowledgment of the tireless dedication of local officials.

She noted that community-level leaders, such as ward and commune chairpersons and party secretaries, have mobilized effectively to stay close to the people, despite operating from either oversized offices with high maintenance costs or undersized facilities lacking basic resources.

She stressed that these contributions deserve proper recognition in official evaluations and urged the government to ensure fair policies for local officials who were forced to retire due to administrative restructuring.

Chau also mentioned that following the administrative expansion, Ho Chi Minh City has become the most populous locality in Vietnam.

She cited guidance from General Secretary To Lam, who envisioned the city evolving into a “Southeast Asian international mega-city.” However, she noted that infrastructure investment has yet to match the city’s strategic role, pointing to persistent flooding as one example of neglect.

She called for greater investment in Ho Chi Minh City to help the city fulfill its assigned political and economic missions during the 2025-2030 term.

Delegate Ha Phuoc Thang from Ho Chi Minh City suggested that the next National Assembly term increase the number of full-time delegates in the Ethnic Council, standing committees, and especially provincial delegations, particularly in large delegations like HCMC’s.

Currently, HCMC’s delegation has nearly 50 members but only three serve full-time, making it difficult to manage delegation operations, collect feedback, conduct inspections, or monitor laws effectively.

Thang proposed that at least 40% of delegates should be full-time in the next term, with priority given to larger delegations. This would strengthen legislative oversight, law-making, and policy contributions at both local and national levels.

He also recommended that the National Assembly increase the number of business representatives, especially from sectors related to digital transformation and national branding, to better contribute to private sector development and the implementation of Resolution 68 on private economic growth.

Tran Thuong