According to the report by the Department of Planning and Investment of Binh Duong, in 2022, the province's PCI reached 65.13 points (a decrease of 4.48 points), ranking 36th out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide (a drop of 30 places compared to 2021) and 5th among the provinces in the Southeast region (a decrease of 4 places compared to 2021). The decline can be attributed to the significant negative impact of the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, as an industrial-driven locality that forms the foundation of the economy, the complex global economic and political situation over the past two years has heavily affected the business community, impacting all aspects of production and business operations.

Mr. Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Duong province, chaired a meeting to hear the report on the results of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) in 2022 and the directions and tasks for 2023, as well as the Provincial Administrative Reform Index (Par Index).

However, according to the report by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Binh Duong still has bright spots, with its infrastructure continuing to be a strength of the province, ranking third in the country after Quang Ninh province and Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, Binh Duong is also among the provinces and cities with the highest proportion of foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises with expanded production and business projects, ranking 20th nationwide.

With the goal of overcoming limitations, maintaining and promoting existing strengths in the province to enhance the PCI, the provincial People's Committee has requested the relevant departments and levels to focus on implementing several key tasks in 2023. Specifically, there will be a focus on investing in comprehensive infrastructure, including allocating funds for essential transportation projects, particularly infrastructure in industrial zones/clusters, electricity, telecommunications, etc., throughout the province. Efforts will be made to proactively review and address the remaining difficulties and obstacles faced by businesses within their authority. Security and order in areas with a high concentration of businesses in the province will be strengthened through enhanced surveillance.

Regarding the PAR Index, Binh Duong scored 84.78 out of 100 points, ranking 35th out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide (a drop of 22 places compared to 2021). According to the evaluation of the Appraisal Council, the low implementation rate of online documentation and online payments, as well as the transparency and timeliness of administrative procedures and the progress of resolving files on the administrative procedure settlement system, are the reasons for the decline. The effectiveness of the self-governing mechanism in public entities is also not high. The disbursement rate of the state budget investment plan for the year in the province is still slow.

With the desire to bring the PCI back to the top 10 nationwide, during the press conference reporting the results of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) in 2022 and the directions and tasks for 2023, held on June 7th, Mr. Vo Van Minh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Duong province, assigned the Department of Planning and Investment to propose specific solutions to improve the PCI.

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Duong province also requested the relevant departments and localities to simplify and reduce the time for business registration procedures, establish Business Guidance Teams at the one-stop-shop units, and compile statistics on returned business registration procedures to proactively guide businesses. Additionally, there should be an emphasis on strengthening dialogue with businesses, professional associations, and localities to develop dialogue plans at various levels and sectors.

Furthermore, efforts should be focused on addressing difficulties for businesses, ensuring transparency in bidding processes, and enhancing anti-corruption measures. Effective vocational training and job placement should be carried out, along with supporting businesses in providing employment opportunities for workers.

Regarding the PAR Index, Mr. Vo Van Minh urged the departments and localities to address the limitations in order to increase the component scores and strive to achieve a position in the top 10 nationwide. This includes a focus on improving four components that experienced score reductions: administrative procedure reform, public financial reform, development of e-government and digital government, and organizational reform.