A corner of Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province (Photo: baoquangninh.com.vn)

According to the PCI 2018 report put out on Thursday by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Quang Ninh province earned the highest score of 70.36 on a 100-point scale. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are in the top 10 localities.

Vu Tien Loc, VCCI Chairman and Chairman of PCI Steering Board, said: “The PCI in 2018 has improved significantly compared to previous years. The average index is 61.76 points, the highest mark over the past decade. The indexes show efforts nationwide to reform economic management. Outstanding trends in 2018 are the notable reduction of unofficial costs, more equality in the business environment, more active local administration, and significant progress in administrative reform, as well as advances in anti-corruption work.”

The PCI 2018 report shows that businesses are optimistic about economic prospects. 49% of private businesses and 56% of FDI businesses said they plan to expand over the next 2 years.

Nguyen Duc Long, Chairman of Quang Ninh province’s People’s Committee, said: “The result illustrates the effort and determination of the whole political system in Quang Ninh province and the support of businesses. Provincial competitiveness is an important element in improving  national competitiveness. Every year, we review what we have achieved and what businesses have not satisfied in order to further improve the business environment.”

The PCI 2018 was based on rigorous surveys of the positions of more than 12,000 firms operating in Vietnam, including nearly 11,000 private companies, in 63 cities and provinces and more than 1,500 foreign-invested enterprises in 20 localities.