(VOV) -Dong Thap has topped Vietnam’s 2012 Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). Other provinces in the top five were An Giang, Lao Cai, Long An, and Bac Ninh.

Dr. Vu Tien Loc addresses the PCI 2012 launch in Hanoi. (Photo: USAID)

The latest PCI survey involving more than 8,000 firms from 63 cities and provinces showed a decline in the quality of economic development. Speaking at the announcement ceremony held today/ on Thursday in Hanoi was US ambassador to Vietnam David Shear: “The report also examines results of the second annual survey of 1,540 foreign invested enterprises currently operating in Vietnam, providing an analysis of foreign views of the country's current risk profile. The report evaluates and presents strategies by foreign investors to reduce the impact of risk on their business operations and address challenges in the current labor market. Corporate partners for the PCI 2012, including the American Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce, once again emphasized the importance of the PCI as a catalyst in driving economic governance and improving local business climate."

Vietnam’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Vu Tien Loc said the PCI is an important tool for evaluating the effectiveness of economic management in attracting foreign and domestic investments and improving the investment environment.