HANOI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese localities held ceremonies on Monday to announce provincial mergers and the launch of a new two-tier local government model, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Under the new model, Vietnam now comprises 34 provincial-level administrative units, including 28 provinces and six centrally governed cities, down from the previous total of 63.

The district-level administration will be removed from July 1.

At the ceremonies, the list of leaders for the newly merged localities was also made public.

Speaking at the event in southern Ho Chi Minh City, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam described the mergers as "a historic step" with strategic significance. He said the move marks a new stage in the development of a streamlined and efficient state apparatus.

The reform aims to build a modern administration that is close to the people and operates for the benefit of the people, he said. Enditem