Hai Phong claims top spot in 2024 PCI for first time

The northern port city of Hai Phong has secured the top position in the 2024 Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) for the first time, with a score of 74.84.

This achievement reflects the city's efforts to enhance its business environment through key reforms, including streamlining administrative procedures and promoting investment.

According to the 2024 PCI results announced by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) on May 6, Quang Ninh ranked second with a score of 73.20 points, followed by Long An (72.64) and Bac Giang (71.24).

The remaining provinces in the Top 10 were Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Hue, Hau Giang, Phu Tho, Dong Thap, and Hung Yen.

The release of the 2024 PCI marks the 20th anniversary of the index’s introduction, aimed at fostering a transparent, business-friendly, and competitive environment across Vietnam.

This year’s report is based on feedback from nearly 11,000 domestic and foreign enterprises, providing a comprehensive overview of provincial economic governance and business sentiment nationwide.

The 2024 PCI continues to highlight local reform efforts while also addressing ongoing challenges faced by businesses. Notably, this edition expands its scope to include assessments of environmental governance and green investment promotion—key indicators as provinces move toward sustainable development and green growth.

VCCI Chairman Pham Tan Cong noted that the 2024 PCI would be the final edition to evaluate all 63 provinces and cities in their current form, ahead of the administrative restructuring outlined in the Party Central Committee’s Resolution No. 60-NQ/TW, which took effect in 2025.

He emphasised that as provinces merge and local governance becomes more complex, maintaining and improving the quality of economic management will be crucial. In this context, the PCI will remain an essential tool, offering data-driven insights to support smooth, efficient, and balanced regional development during the transition.

The 2023 PCI ranked Quang Ninh, Long An, Hai Phong, Bac Giang, and Dong Thap among the top five performers in economic governance.