Phu Tho (VNA) - Northern Phu Thoprovince has moved up nine places in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI)over the last five years, and is set to do more to further raise its position.

In the 2019 rankings revealed recently by the VietnamChamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the US Agency for International Development(USAID), Phu Tho ranked 26th among Vietnam’s 63 cities and provinces and third amongthe 14 northern mountainous provinces.

It has jumped nine places since coming in at 35thin 2015, primarily thanks to local efforts to improve the investment climate.

To rise further in the rankings, the provincial People’sCommittee has requested relevant State agencies to press on with simplifying administrativeprocedures so as to create more favourable conditions for businesses, organisations,and individuals in all economic sectors and to ensure equality for all.

In particular, it asked agencies to raise awarenessand a sense of responsibility among officials and public servants while steppingup online payments and the provision of online public services to the third andfourth levels.

The Chair of the Provincial People’s Committee tolddistrict-level authorities to promptly review existing administrative procedures,suggest methods for handling them in the fastest manner possible, and identify andeliminate outdated and unfeasible regulations that hamper business operations anddevelopment.

Local authorities also directed departments and sectorsto monitor each PCI sub-index within their domain and conduct monthly and quarterlyperformance assessments. They were also asked to rectify “single window” units,strictly deal with any public servants who intentionally cause difficulties forbusinesses and individuals, and appoint staff with sufficient capabilities anda high sense of responsibility.

Provincial authorities said they will regularly publishnew investment policies and sector plans to ensure equal access to informationamong the investors.

Leaders of the province and its departments, sectors,and localities will frequently take part in dialogues with businesses so as toquickly remove any obstacles in their operations.

Hotlines will also be set up at all State agenciesin Phu Tho to receive feedback from organisations, businesses, and individuals onpublic servants’ performance in completing administrative procedures.

According to the PCI report, the quality of provincialeconomic governance in Vietnam reached its highest level for 15 years in 2019.

With 73.4 points, the northern province of QuangNinh led the country for the third consecutive year, followed by the Mekong Deltaprovinces of Dong Thap (72.1 points) and Vinh Long (71.3 points), and then northernBac Ninh province (70.79 points).

Meanwhile, the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau, the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong, and southern Binh Phuoc province were at the bottom.

This report noted that foreign enterprises maintained their positive assessment of Vietnam’s business climate, especially in regard to business registration and access to land. They suggested it continue speeding up administrative reform and adopt more effective strategies and policies to increase the quality of the workforce, especially skilled workers.

The latest edition saw the participation of nearly 12,500 enterprises, including 1,500 foreign invested ones. It evaluated and rated the business environment and the quality of economic governance in localities throughout the country, thus helping to accelerate the development of the private sector.

A special feature of the 2019 report is that it is the first time it has analysed automation and digitisation in production and services by Vietnamese firms and forecast the impact of this trend on workers and employment in the time to come.

Based on data collected from enterprise surveys,the PCI is “the common voice” of the business community regarding the level of reformin various fields./.