For the first time since the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) was announced in Vietnam, Hai Phong City has risen to the top of the PCI rankings in 2024 with 74.84 points. This achievement reflects the Port City's strong and persistent efforts in improving the investment and business environment, thereby creating the image of a dynamic government that accompanies businesses.

The PCI 2024 Report continues to demonstrate the relentless reform efforts of localities across the country in improving the investment and business environment

According to the PCI 2024 Report published by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Hai Phong has made strong changes, especially in administrative procedure reform, investment promotion and business support. Before rising to the top spot, Hai Phong had been in the top 5 localities nationwide for three consecutive years, demonstrating stability and determination in reform.

In second place is Quang Ninh province with 73.20 points, up 1.95 points compared to 2023. Although down one place compared to last year, Quang Ninh has maintained an impressive presence in the leading group for 12 consecutive years since 2013. The report noted that Quang Ninh continued to improve in 5/10 areas of management.

Third place is Long An province - a locality that has been in the top 5 provinces and cities with the best economic management quality for three consecutive years. Long An is highly appreciated by the business community for its fair competition and ease of market entry. Following is Bac Giang province in fourth place. This is also the third consecutive year that Bac Giang has been in the top 5 localities of PCI, recognized for its efforts in supporting start-up businesses and training workers.

Ba Ria - Vung Tau province maintained its fifth position, continuing to maintain its position in the top 10 PCI from 2021. Businesses highly appreciate the provincial government for its practical support policies, effective public administration and improved legal environment.

Hue city holds the sixth position, extending its four consecutive years in the top 10 localities with the highest economic management quality. In 2024, businesses continued to acknowledge the government's efforts to cut informal costs, increase information transparency, and ensure business security.

Hai Phong City has risen to the top of the PCI rankings in 2024 with 74.84 points

Hau Giang Province rose to seventh place, improving two places compared to 2023. This is an important milestone in the series of continuous increases since 2017. Hau Giang authorities are assessed as dynamic and pioneering in solving difficulties, especially in reducing the time to process procedures for businesses.

Phu Tho Province ranked eighth with 70.35 points, continuing to maintain its position in the top 10 for two consecutive years. The report noted that Phu Tho achieved good scores in the indicators of equal competition, labor training and time costs - important factors that encourage businesses to expand their operations.

Ninth place belongs to Dong Thap Province - a locality considered a model of persistent reform for 18 consecutive years in the top 10 localities with the highest PCI scores. Dong Thap builds the image of a government close to the people, proactively initiating initiatives at the grassroots level, emphasizing administrative reform, saving time and creating a healthy competitive environment.

Hung Yen province enters the top 10 for the first time

Entering the top 10 for the first time, Hung Yen province ranked tenth. This is the result of continuous improvement over the past three years, from 14th place in 2022 to 12th place in 2023 and now officially entering the top group. Hung Yen is highly appreciated by the business community for its dynamism and pioneering role in creating a favorable business environment and removing investment barriers.

VCCI Chairman Pham Tan Cong affirmed that this is the result of the perseverance and persistence in reform of many localities and the active supervision of the business community. Hai Phong's rise to the top position for the first time is a testament to a dynamic growth process, drastic reforms and efforts to create an attractive investment environment.

As someone who has been accompanying the Vietnamese business community for a very long time, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, Chairwoman of BRG Group, Member of the Executive Committee of VCCI, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Leading Enterprises Council, member of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) highly appreciated the values that the PCI report brings. This index shows the assessment of businesses on the level of convenience of the investment and business environment in provinces and cities. This is the clearest voice of businesses on the activities of the central and local governments.

The Chairwoman of BRG Group also said that this is a report that localities look forward to every year, because it is the driving force for policy adjustment, developing initiatives to improve the business environment and attract investment. PCI is not only a monitoring tool, but also a valuable source of data to help the government come up with solutions to promote green growth and sustainable development.

“Enterprises will also raise expectations about the business environment, especially in the current context when the merger of provinces and cities is being urgently implemented, bringing about major changes to the economic picture in Vietnam. Local authorities need to have measures to ensure continuity, transfer and continuous support for enterprises, so that production and business are not interrupted and achieve the best results,” Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga emphasized.