Some admin procedures are published online and made available at various service centres, photo Le Toan

According to the 2024 Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) report released by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in May, Tra Vinh ranked 18th out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide, and sixth out of the 13 localities in the Mekong Delta region. The province scored 68.94 points in total, up six places and 1.48 points compared to 2023.

Tra Vinh entered the top 30 localities in this year’s rankings. In the Mekong Delta region, seven out of 13 localities made the top 30: Long An, Hau Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, and Ca Mau – listed from highest to lowest.

According to the VCCI, Tra Vinh and Ca Mau both demonstrated strong upward momentum, moving up several ranks over the past three years. Tra Vinh rose one place in the regional ranking compared to 2023, from seventh to sixth.

Several of the province’s component indexes saw impressive gains. The equal competition index rose 34 places and 1.48 points compared to 2023, moving from 38th to fourth. The business support index climbed 43 places and 2.09 points, from 46th to third. The labour training index increased by 12 places and 1.1 points, from 46th to 25th. One index – time costs – rose nine places from 45th to 36th, although its score declined slightly by 0.2 points, to 7.37.

Overall, the 2024 results showed that four indicators were assessed as good, one as average, and nine as low or limited compared to the national median.

Some indexes recorded falling ranks but rising scores. For example, the market entry index fell 15 places to 18th but increased by 0.13 points. Transparency rose 0.22 points to 6.17, although it fell 15 places to 53rd. Based on this year’s results, five indicators were assessed as good, three as average, and nine as below average.

To address weaknesses in several key areas, the province has committed to improving four indexes that declined in both score and rank: land access, informal charges, the proactivity of provincial leadership, and legal institutions and security.

A representative of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment said Tra Vinh is committed to resolving challenges for investors and enterprises in line with the direction of provincial leaders.

“Since the beginning of the year, all enterprises have been guided through procedures for land allocation, land leasing, land use conversions, and certificate issuance, along with access to land use planning information,” the representative said. “In addition, all of our administrative procedures are published online and made available at the Provincial Public Administration Service Centre.”

The PCI 2024 report highlights nine nationwide trends in governance, all of which are reflected in Tra Vinh. These include continued improvements in governance quality, stronger labour training, and greater information transparency. Market entry procedures have become easier, and legal institutions and the security environment remain stable.

However, the dynamism of local governments is showing signs of slowing. Administrative procedures are becoming stagnant, land access is more difficult, and informal costs are re-emerging.

Tra Vinh saw fewer indexes decline in 2024 compared to the previous year – six versus seven. However, five of the six indicators declined by more than 10 ranks. These include legal institutions and public security (down 54 places), land access (down 31), dynamism (down 24), market entry (down 15), and transparency (down 15).

On the other hand, the province’s business support index soared from 46th to third nationwide. The equal competition and labour training indexes also posted strong gains, both rising more than 20 places compared to 2023.

The provincial Department of Finance is now reviewing the PCI results by comparing the province’s scores against the national median for each indicator. Relevant departments have been tasked with analysing the 10 component indexes and developing a plan to address the limitations identified.

Le Van Han, head of the Steering Committee focused on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, competitiveness, and administrative reform, praised the province’s concerted efforts over the past year to raise its competitiveness amidst challenging global and domestic conditions.

“The authorities continue to identify the root causes of both our strengths and weaknesses. We will focus on addressing those indexes that dropped in both score and rank,” Han said. “The province will prepare detailed plans to improve component indicators, helping to overcome current challenges. This will create a stronger foundation for Tra Vinh to rise in the 2025 PCI rankings and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to business development.”