Dong Nai moves to establish 10 wards to accelerate urbanization

Dong Nai currently has 95 commune-level administrative units, including 23 wards and 72 communes. The planned establishment of 10 additional wards marks a crucial step in the province’s urbanization roadmap, bringing it closer to its goal of becoming a centrally governed city.

More than a simple administrative adjustment, the move is expected to open up new room for development, improve governance efficiency, and create stronger momentum for socio-economic growth at the local level.

Completing the legal basis for urbanization process

Under the proposal, the 10 wards set to be established include Long Thanh, Nhon Trach, Trang Bom, Xuan Loc, Dau Giay, Tan Phu, Tri An, Dong Phu, Tan Khai, and Loc Ninh. These 10 wards will be formed by upgrading existing communes while maintaining their current administrative boundaries and population size.

Once upgraded, Nhon Trach will have better conditions for development.

After completing procedural steps, the National Assembly Standing Committee, at its first session on April 14, expressed broad consensus on the necessity of establishing 10 wards in Dong Nai province, recognizing the move as a pivotal step in Dong Nai’s roadmap toward centrally governed city status. The transition from commune to ward is intended not only to meet statutory criteria for urban administrative units but also to align with the province’s broader development strategy.

A review by National Assembly bodies confirmed that all communes proposed to become wards meet the required standards, with documentation prepared in accordance with regulations and public consultation conducted as prescribed. Based on this, the National Assembly Standing Committee approved in principle the establishment of the 10 wards, alongside related proposals concerning the formation of a centrally governed Dong Nai City and the organization of urban administration. Relevant dossiers are to be finalized and submitted to the National Assembly by April 16, 2026.

Notably, many localities included in the proposal, which were previously townships, have now clearly exhibited urban characteristics.

Despite their current administrative status as communes, these areas already possess high population density, active trade and service activities, and steadily improved infrastructure, all of which underscore the need for a more appropriate urban governance model.

At a working session with a central appraisal delegation, Nguyen Van Ut, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that the proposal was developed with a cautious and responsible approach, aiming to ensure stability while minimizing disruption and securing long-term effectiveness. Accordingly, Dong Nai will retain existing boundaries, population size, and the number of commune-level units, only converting those that meet the criteria into wards. This approach both preserves stability in governance and enables more suitable organizational structures and governance models to align with development demands, ultimately supporting sustainable growth.

Creating impetus for socio-economic development

The establishment of new wards goes beyond administrative restructuring, serving as a catalyst for economic and social advancement across the localities.

For instance, Tan Phu commune, formed through the merger of five administrative units, currently has an industrial park occupancy rate of approximately 94%, reflecting its strong investment attraction. Plans to expand by an additional 246 hectares will further support the development of high-tech and supporting industries.

Once upgraded to ward status, Tan Phu is likely to benefit from improved conditions for investment promotion, enhanced regional connectivity, and more effective management of planning, architecture, and construction in line with urban standards. This, in turn, will create a foundation for further investment in education, healthcare, and cultural infrastructure, contributing to improved living standards.

According to Tran Quang Tu, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Tan Phu commune, the upgrade will provide both a legal basis and favorable conditions for the locality to strengthen its role as a key hub for industrial, commercial, and service development in the region.

Once approval is given to the establishment of 10 wards, the number of wards in Dong Nai will increase from 23 to 33, while the number of communes will decrease from 72 to 62.

Similarly, Tan Khai commune is emerging as a strong candidate for urban transformation. With its relatively large scale, vast development space, and strategic location, the area has experienced rapid urbanization in recent years. Its economic structure is shifting toward a higher share of industry, construction, and trade-services, while both technical and social infrastructure continue to improve. Concentrated residential areas are increasingly taking shape, along with dynamic vibrant production and business activities. These practical foundations are crucial for considering Tan Khai’s transition from a commune to a ward, in line with the province’s overall development orientation.

Overall, the establishment of 10 wards represents a significant move in Dong Nai’s development trajectory. It not only contributes to a more coherent urban structure and improved governance but also generates fresh impetus for socio-economic development, bringing the province closer to its ambition of becoming a centrally governed city.

By Ho Thao – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha