Following the planned merger of the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Transport, the number of subordinate units will decrease from 42 to around 25-27, marking a 35-40% reduction in organizational structures.

The Ministry of Construction has been recognized as the most streamlined ministry over the past four government terms. Despite an increase in responsibilities, including new mandates for urban development and digital transformation, its allocated staffing has been consistently reduced.

By 2024, the Ministry of Construction employed only 357 civil servants, with plans to reduce this to 339 by 2026. The ministry has also streamlined its administrative apparatus by eliminating departments and consolidating roles to avoid overlapping functions and reduce redundancies.

Preparing for the merger

The merger plan aligns with Resolution 18, which focuses on restructuring Vietnam's political system to improve efficiency. According to Hoang Hai Van, Director of the Personnel and Organization Department at the Ministry of Construction, the merger proposal has been finalized in coordination with the Ministry of Transport.

The combined ministry will focus on further consolidating functions and avoiding duplication of roles. For example, the proposal recommends reducing the number of units from 42 to 25-27, with six general administrative units, 14-16 specialized units, and five public service units.

The new entity is tentatively named the "Ministry of Construction and Transport."

The Ministry of Transport, established in 1945, and the Ministry of Construction, founded in 1958, have played critical roles in Vietnam's development. Despite their long-standing identities, the merger aims to create a unified structure that strengthens collaboration and enhances efficiency.

The Personnel and Organization Department plans to submit the final merger plan to the Government Steering Committee before December 20. Localities are also proactively developing similar proposals for merging construction and transport departments to ensure cohesive implementation across all levels.

Tien Dung