The removal of the district level shortens decision-making processes, enhances administrative efficiency, and brings provincial policies closer to the people. At the same time, commune-level units will be empowered to foster innovation and adaptability in socio-economic development. From 5 June, 2025, Long An Newspaper and Long An Radio and Television Station will launch a new column entitled “The Era of Rise” on page 4, profiling all 60 newly established commune-level units following mergers and consolidations. This series aims to provide readers with a comprehensive and in-depth look into the land and people of Long An.

Part 1: Pioneering urban centres in the new era

Tan An City - the socio-economic "heart" of the province, when the district level ends its operations, will have 3 wards under the province after the merger and consolidation. Long An, Khanh Hau, and Tan An wards will not only preserve their cultural and historical identities but also become pioneering urban areas in the new era.

Long An Ward – A new urban center full of potential and technological breakthroughs

The merger of Wards 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, Huong Tho Phu Commune (Tan An City), and part of Binh Thanh Commune (Thu Thua District) will create the new Long An Ward. With a natural area of 34.90 square kilometres and a population of 106,667, this ward is set to become a promising urban center, ready to rise in the new era of development. This merger not only expands the space but also creates a unified block of resources and vision, thereby promoting synchronous and sustainable development.

The administrative headquarters of Long An ward is located at the current Tan An City People's Committee - a central and strategic location, ensuring maximum convenience in management and operation. This location also optimizes traffic, helps connect areas effectively, creating favorable conditions for people to access public services and participate in socio-economic activities. This centralization is an important factor to strengthen the role of the province's economic and political "locomotive". The formation of a centralized administrative and economic center will create a spillover effect, attract investment and talent, and consolidate the position of Long An ward as a key growth driver for the entire province.

Long An ward is oriented to develop strongly according to the commercial urban model along the Vam Co Tay River. Taking advantage of this geographical advantage, the ward will become a vibrant economic center, promoting strong trade and service development, and exploiting the maximum potential of the important waterway. In particular, Long An Ward will assume the core role as the political and administrative center of Long An province. This creates an effective and convenient working environment and is a solid foundation for comprehensive development; at the same time, consolidates the leadership role of the ward in the new administrative structure.

The ward also places significant emphasis on science and technology, with a clear ambition to become a centre for high-tech research and innovation. This vision is expected to attract scientists, entrepreneurs, and experts across disciplines, providing momentum for transformation and positioning Long An Ward as a pioneering city of the future.

The focus on science and technology will promote rapid and sustainable urbanization. This requires strong investment in technical and social infrastructure but at the same time creates a modern living environment, attracting residents and high-tech businesses.

Furthermore, the orientation to become a center of scientific and high-tech research also opens up the potential to attract high-quality human resources. Knowledge-based industries will not only diversify the local economy but also improve workforce quality, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation and economic prosperity.

Khanh Hau Ward - agricultural gateway and cultural and historical heritage

The formation of the new Khanh Hau Ward, resulting from the merger of Khanh Hau and Tan Khanh Wards with Loi Binh Nhon Commune, marks a significant milestone in Long An’s development journey. With an area of 22.8km² and a population of 28,965 people, the new Khanh Hau ward is not only a boundary adjustment but also opens up many opportunities for socio-economic and cultural development. This merger creates a strong, diverse community, ready to welcome new challenges and opportunities.

With a strategic location, the new Khanh Hau Ward serves as a key logistical junction. Its administrative office, located in the former Khanh Hau Ward, ensures operational efficiency and smooth transport connections, enhancing administrative management and serving the people more effectively. This prime location, together with the development orientation, helps Khanh Hau become a regional logistics center. Investment in a modern logistics system will turn location advantages into economic strength, enhancing connectivity and trade for the entire province.

The growth of high-tech industries, processing and milling sectors, alongside a modern logistics network, is expected to transform Khanh Hau into a dynamic economic zone. Its transportation advantages will help attract investment, create employment, and improve incomes. This is a multi-sector development strategy, complements each other, creating a solid economy. The combination of industry and logistics services not only creates a strong economic foundation but also enhances the resilience of the local economy to market fluctuations.

Beyond economic gains, Khanh Hau’s cultural and historical assets also shine. With the national heritage site of General Nguyen Huynh Duc’s Mausoleum and Temple, Khanh Hau Ward not only preserves traditional values but also promotes cultural tourism and historical education for future generations.

General Nguyen Huynh Duc’s Mausoleum and Temple were built in 1817, an ancient architectural work of Long An that remains almost intact to this day, and was ranked as a National Monument by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1993.

This cultural heritage is a unique competitive edge in attracting both investment and residents. It enriches the spiritual life of the community while appealing to skilled professionals and families seeking a place that combines economic opportunity with cultural depth.

Tan An Ward – A green urban centre in harmony with high-tech agriculture

The new Tan An Ward will be created through the merger of Ward 7 and the communes of Binh Tam, Nhon Thanh Trung, and An Vinh Ngai. Covering 25.5 square kilometers and home to 32,292 residents, this consolidation brings together cultural, economic, and human capital, forming a dynamic and promising new urban unit.

Its administrative centre will be based in Binh Tam Commune—a strategically positioned area with excellent transport links—set to become a focal point for administrative, economic, and commercial activity. This location not only provides convenient access to public services but also contributes to creating strong development momentum for the entire ward in the future. Optimising road infrastructure, particularly ring roads, is a cornerstone of the ward’s strategy, supporting the flow of high-tech agricultural products to market and ensuring residents have access to essential services. This will underpin the ward’s comprehensive and sustainable development.

Tan An Ward is oriented to develop according to modern criteria with new urban residential planning along the ring road. This opens up opportunities to develop a civilized and convenient urban area, meeting the residential needs of the people, and creating a high-quality living space.

At the same time, the ward also focuses on developing high-tech agriculture. This direction not only preserves the value of traditional agricultural production but also improves the quality of agricultural products, meets modern market demands, and creates a balance between urbanization and agricultural conservation.

Equally important is its focus on high-tech agriculture—preserving traditional farming while raising productivity and quality to meet modern market expectations. This balanced approach fosters a model of integrated urban-rural development. Tan An Ward is aiming to integrate modern urban facilities with efficient agricultural production areas, avoiding conflicts between industrial development and agricultural environmental protection. This also contributes to increasing land value and the quality of agricultural products.

Through the adoption of advanced technology, agricultural products will gain greater market value, while urban growth along the ring road boosts real estate prices, creating a positive growth cycle for the local economy./.

(to be continued)

Reported by Nhat Quan

Translated by NT