PCI 2017 studied over 10,000 private firms and nearly 1,800 foreign-invested enterprises.Quang Ninh province championed the PCI rankings for the first time, followed by Da Nang, Dong Thap and Long An provinces. VCCI President Vu Tien Loc said that this year’s PCI shows a high level of optimism among businesses as 52% of domestic companies and 60% of FDI enterprises plan for business expansion.

Photo: Chung Thuy

“This year PCI has the highest average scores since our first ranking in 2005 while most provinces improved their positions. This reflected positive changes following the government leadership by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. On a national scale, unofficial costs and administrative procedures have improved, reflecting the Party and State’s determination to fight corruption and boost administrative reform.”, said Loc.

In the report, businesses called for sustained momentum in business climate improvement focusing on tax management, customs and social welfare as well as an efficient strategy to ensure high skilled workforce supply.