The Mekong Delta, the country’s agricultural heart, has seen a sharp
jump in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), an indicator of
economic governance and business environment performance, over the last
three years.
The assessment was announced at a
seminar held on April 9 in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu
by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in the branch
of Can Tho city.
The event allowed experts and
local authorities to analyse the index and put forth measures to
improve the business environment for better foreign investment while
accelerating administrative reforms.
Reports at
the seminar showed that since the PCI was set up in 2006, Mekong Delta
provinces have occupied the list’s top spots.
In the
2012 PCI, the Mekong Delta ranked first nationwide. Dong Thap, An Giang
and Tra Vinh provinces took the lead while six other regional provinces
were among the top 10.
Bac Lieu province alone
witnessed rapid and firm improvement, from 59th position in 2009 to 7th in 2012, signalling its socio-cultural and economic development.
Experts said the improvements were thanks to the enhanced governance
capacity of local authorities, helping strengthen businesses’
performance while increasing flows of domestic and foreign investment
into the region.
In addition, good governance has
created favourable conditions for enterprises by casting greater
attention to infrastructure, investment environment and other policies.
Standing Vice Chairman of VCCI Hoang Van Dung
stressed the role of the Mekong Delta in the country’s economic
strategy. He hailed the Government and local leaders’ efforts to change
the region’s investment and business environment.-VNA