On May 5, USAID and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) released the 2019 PCI report, which provides an independent and unbiased view on provincial economic governance by analysing survey responses from over 12,500 firms nationwide on a variety of business issues. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the annual PCI survey and the 25th year of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam. A limited number of representatives attended the launch in person to allow for appropriate social distancing, including U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Michael Greene, VCCI Chairman Vu Tien Loc, and senior government officials from four leading provinces, in addition to nearly 1,000 people watching the live-stream launch ceremony online.
This year, Vietnam’s core PCI indicator reached 63.25, the highest score achieved since 2005, reflecting the Government’s continuing efforts to reform economic governance by specifically targeting the provincial business environment to boost national competitiveness. The 2019 PCI report highlighted three important trends: equal opportunity for domestic firms is increasing; informal charges (corruption) are declining and; automation is becoming more widespread across firms in Vietnam. Quang Ninh province was the top performer (for the third consecutive year) with 73.40 points, followed by Dong Thap and Vinh Long provinces.
So What? USAID’s PCI project continues to drive economic reform in Vietnam, contributing to improved economic governance at the provincial level, which will lead to strong investment and economic growth in Vietnam to advance the nation’s journey to self-reliance.
To view the 2019 PCI report, visit: https://www.pcivietnam.vn/en/publications/2019-pci-full-report-ct174.
For video of the event, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tSVapaNUZA.
For photos of the event, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usaid_vietnam/albums/72157714172061276.
USAID/Vietnam