On March 28, USAID and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) released the PCI 2018 report, which provides an independent, unbiased view on the provincial business environment by surveying over 13,000 firms on a variety of business issues. About 800 participants attended the launch, 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 almost all 63 provinces.

Overall, Vietnam’s median PCI score increased this past year, reflecting the Government’s efforts to improve economic governance with its Resolution 19 and new Resolution 02, policies that focus on improving the business environment and national competitiveness. The PCI 2018 report highlighted three important trends: economic governance continues to improve at the provincial level; informal charges (bribes) are declining; and quality of infrastructure is improving. This year, Quang Ninh province again was the top performer, followed by Dong Thap and Long An provinces, while Hanoi joined the top ten in 2018 for the first time.

So What? USAID’s PCI project continues to be an important driver of 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 view the PCI 2018 Report, visit: http://eng.pcivietnam.org