On 1/6, the Government issued Decree 196, which establishes the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Government Office. A significant change from regulations issued earlier in 2026 is the transformation of the Government Electronic Information Portal into the Government Information and Communication Department. This new department is classified as a type one department and is authorized to use the national emblem seal.

The Government Electronic Information Portal will continue to carry out its assigned functions, tasks, and powers under current regulations. This arrangement will remain in effect until the Minister-Chairman of the Government Office issues specific guidelines detailing the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the newly established Government Information and Communication Department.

The Government Office, a ministerial-level agency, serves as a strategic, crucial, and confidential advisory body, directly assisting the Government and the Prime Minister, including Deputy Prime Ministers. It provides comprehensive advisory services and coordination to help the Government and the Prime Minister organize and oversee government activities. The office also functions as a central hub for information and communication, supporting government leadership and management while providing information to the public. Additionally, it ensures the material, technical, and logistical support necessary for the operations of the Government and the Prime Minister.

The Government Office maintains 17 subordinate units: the General Affairs Department, Legal Affairs Department, General Economic Affairs Department, Industry Affairs Department, Agriculture Affairs Department, Science, Education, Culture, and Social Affairs Department, International Relations Department, Internal Affairs Department, Public Service Organization Department, Inspection Monitoring Department (Department I), National Assembly, Localities, and Mass Organizations Affairs Department, Secretariat and Editorial Department, Administrative Department, Personnel and Organization Department, Digital Transformation Department, Administration and Finance Department, and the newly established Government Information and Communication Department.

Headquarters of the Government Electronic Information Portal on Le Hong Phong Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi. *Photo: VGP*

The Government mandates that civil servants within the Government Office must possess a strong political stance, high ethical standards, excellent professional qualifications, and a deep understanding of their assigned areas. Mechanisms are in place to encourage and protect dynamic, creative officials who are willing to take initiative and responsibility for the common good. These civil servants also benefit from special salary, allowance, and preferential treatment policies.

The Government Office holds priority in seconding, rotating, and delegating civil servants from other ministries, agencies, and localities to work within its structure, and similarly, from the Government Office to other bodies. Corresponding ministries, agencies, and localities are obligated to prioritize the placement, secondment, rotation, and reception of civil servants as requested by the Government Office.

Vu Tuan