Resolution passed to upgrade Bac Ninh to centrally-run city status

During its first extraordinary session, the 16th National Assembly (NA) on August 24 afternoon passed a Resolution establishing northern Bac Ninh province as a centrally-run city, with 480 out of 480 participants voting in favor.

According to the Resolution, the centrally-run city of Bac Ninh will be established based on the entire natural land area and population size of the current Bac Ninh Province, which borders Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, Lang Son, and Thai Nguyen.

The Resolution is set to take effect on September 20, 2026.

Before the vote, Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Tien Hai, authorized by the Prime Minister, presented a report of the Government on explaining and finalizing the draft Resolution.

The Government emphasized that the establishment of Bac Ninh as a centrally-run city is not merely an administrative change. It carries long-term significance for spatial development, the local government model, and the creation of new growth drivers for both the locality and the country. This move also institutionalizes the orientations and goals of the Party Central Committee and the Politburo regarding urban development and growth model innovation.

Transitioning to a centrally-run city brings higher requirements, responsibilities, and expectations. According to the development orientation, Bac Ninh will evolve into a high-tech industrial city focused on innovation, green growth, and smart infrastructure, while deeply preserving its unique "Kinh Bac" cultural identity. It is expected to become a key growth pole for the region and the nation, participating more deeply in global value chains.

The Government noted that Bac Ninh's development must yield concrete benefits for citizens and businesses, contribute more to the State budget, create jobs, and improve labor productivity and quality of life.

Furthermore, the transformation of Bac Ninh is expected to create successful urban governance and development models that can be replicated, contributing to the country’s goal of rapid and sustainable development.