At that time, separating Da Nang from Quang Nam was a breakthrough decision of the Party and State. Separate to make Da Nang go faster, be more proactive in developing modern urban areas, and gradually become the driving force of the Central region.
Nearly three decades later, the merger of provincial-level administrative units has caused the two localities that were once one to converge in a new administrative apparatus.
But this is not a closed circle, nor is it simply a "return", but an extension of the development journey with a new institutional mindset.
It is undeniable that, after becoming a centrally-governed city since 1997, the old Da Nang city has had a strong breakthrough in infrastructure, attracting investment, urban management and administrative reform.
Separating from the old Quang Nam at that time was to unleash potential, helping Da Nang to design its own development path in accordance with the characteristics of a modern city. Meanwhile, the old Quang Nam province has also changed strongly with the industrial - tourism areas along the southern coast.
Now, when the two entities meet again in a new form of administrative organization, it is not to overshadow the differences, but to take advantage of each other's advantages: a Da Nang with extensive experience in modern urban management, a Quang Nam with much room, large development space and rich connecting potential.
The merger of the two localities will help expand strategic space - where development is not limited by local boundaries, but is guided by the vision of regional linkage.
If 1997 was the decision of the strategic vision, today's merger is a manifestation of flexible institutional thinking. In a modern legal system, administrative units are not an immutable rock but a tool for more effective social organization.
When practice requires adjustment, change, whether separation or consolidation, is necessary, as long as it brings greater benefits to the people and the nation.
Now, when the administrative space of the (new) Da Nang city opens up, it also means that the city must establish a new foundation of trust.
The people of the two localities used to be used to different ways of organization and service, now they need to be guided to share the same goals, trust in a unified, professional and close-to-the-people government. The harmony of psychology, awareness and administrative culture will be the decisive factor for the success of the merger process.
The (new) Da Nang City is now a comprehensive driving force center of the Central - Central Highlands region, with enough urban areas, rural areas, coastal areas, world cultural heritages, regional universities and high-tech industrial parks, financial centers, free trade zones... to develop and attract strategic investment.
This requires the new government to promote the strengths of each side, avoiding a "mixed" mindset but having to reorganize in the direction of complementing each other.
In particular, it is necessary to use digital technology, population data and integrated planning as a management tool to ensure that all administrative changes do not have many disruptions, serving the people better, instead of making people get acquainted from the beginning.
The administrative history of nearly 29 years, from separation to consolidation of Da Nang and Quang Nam, is proof that institutional reform is never a final point, but always a continuing journey.
A new Da Nang, with a new stature, is opening up a new development future.
