Bac Ninh needs breakthroughs to enhance PCI

Bac Ninh Province has been aggressively putting a number of bold initiatives into practice to significantly and successfully raise its Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) in an effort to become a top destination for both domestic and foreign investors. Strategic, long-term, and innovative projects are crucial to these endeavors.

Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Vuong Quoc Tuan, directly addresses businesses’ concerns at the monthly Business Meeting Conference. (Photo: Vu Phuong)

Breakthroughs through business partnership

One of the key highlights in Bac Ninh’s strategy to improve its PCI lies in the provincial leadership’s commitment to holding themed monthly meetings with businesses. These gatherings are not only opportunities to hear the concerns and aspirations of the business community but also a clear demonstration of the local government's openness, hands-on approach, and strong determination to drive shared growth.

Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Vuong Quoc Tuan emphasized, “Improving the investment environment and raising the PCI is not the responsibility of any single department or sector; it requires the active involvement of the entire political system. The provincial government firmly upholds the principle that every official and civil servant must genuinely regard businesses as partners and driving forces for development”.

The provincial leadership of Bac Ninh has gone beyond regular meetings with businesses by directly inspecting and expediting the progress of public investment projects across the province. This resolute direction and hands-on implementation have accelerated key infrastructure works, creating a ripple effect that encourages synchronized growth in private sector investment.

A clear example of this commitment is that, from the very beginning of 2025, Bac Ninh’s provincial leaders have consistently conducted on-site inspections and closely monitored the progress of land clearance for key projects. These include major transportation infrastructure developments as well as the construction of industrial zone infrastructure across the province.

During these inspections, the provincial leaders consistently emphasized that effective land clearance is key to enhancing investment appeal and plays a vital role in driving Bac Ninh’s socio-economic development.

At the same time, the province has sent a clear message: once land clearance is completed, investors must immediately begin infrastructure construction. Bac Ninh firmly rejects fragmented projects and outdated technologies. The Provincial People’s Committee has instructed industrial zone infrastructure developers and the Industrial Zones Authority to work closely with relevant departments to intensify investment promotion efforts and attract capable investors who meet strict criteria. Step by step, the province aims to build a strong brand for its industrial infrastructure developers, enhancing its appeal and solidifying its position as an “ideal manufacturing hub in Vietnam”. 

Mr. Do Hoai Trung, Director of the Thuan Thanh 3 Industrial Zone Project, Phase B, Trung Quy Investment Joint Stock Company - Bac Ninh, shared, “Previously, many procedures related to land and environmental issues took a significant amount of time. However, with the close guidance of the provincial leadership and efficient collaboration among relevant departments, these processes are now handled much more quickly and effectively. We can clearly feel the genuine partnership from the local government”.

Mr. Do Hoai Trung, Director of the Thuan Thanh 3 Industrial Zone Project, Phase B, Trung Quy Investment Joint Stock Company - Bac Ninh, spoke with the reporter from the Business Forum Magazine. (Photo: Vu Phuong)

Determined goals, decisive action

Not only focusing on improving the local business environment, Bac Ninh has also taken the lead in international investment promotion. These efforts are targeted, practical, and focused, particularly on markets with high-quality investors such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and several European countries - regions where many multinational corporations are interested in high-tech and smart manufacturing sectors.

Mr. Dinh Nam Thang, Deputy Head of the Bac Ninh Industrial Zones Authority, stated that foreign investment in Vietnam is expected to increase in 2025. Specifically, the Chinese market is seeing an upward trend in both the number of projects and investment scale, driven by the impact of the US-China trade war. Additionally, projects from Singapore and third countries based in Singapore are also showing a strong trend of expanding investment in Bac Ninh's industrial zones.

In the context of global and regional economic fluctuations, in order to achieve favorable investment attraction results, the Bac Ninh Industrial Zones Authority will develop plans and organize overseas investment promotion programs in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, Director of the Bac Ninh Department of Finance, stated that thanks to systematic and effective investment promotion efforts, along with significant improvements in the business environment, Bac Ninh has attracted over 2.4 billion USD in newly registered and adjusted foreign investment in industrial zones within just the first four months of 2025 – an impressive figure that provides a strong boost to the local economy.

In the first four months of 2025, Bac Ninh's industrial zones attracted over 2.4 billion USD in newly registered and adjusted investment, maintaining its position as the leading province in the country. (Photo: Vu Phuong)

To create a noticeable shift in the PCI, Bac Ninh has identified the need to improve all component indices simultaneously. Notably, efforts to enhance the Land Access Index, transparency, and business support have been emphasized.

According to the Bac Ninh Department of Agriculture and Environment, the department is implementing a range of coordinated solutions, such as completing the land database, enhancing transparency in planning information, and reducing the time required to process administrative procedures in land management. The processes related to land allocation and leasing have now been streamlined, allowing businesses to quickly begin their projects.

Meanwhile, the Business Support Policy Index – one of the key criteria in the PCI – is also being given special attention for “upgrade.” Mr. Luu Bao Trung, Director of the Bac Ninh Department of Industry and Trade, shared, "The Bac Ninh Department of Industry and Trade, as the agency responsible for leading and advising the Provincial People's Committee and the PCI Steering Committee in improving the “Business Support Policy” component of the PCI, will continue to proactively and decisively address challenges, support businesses, and contribute to driving economic growth, improving the investment and business environment, and enhancing provincial competitiveness".

Each year, the Department consistently directs its divisions and units, according to their functions and tasks, to actively and proactively carry out communication, guidance, and support for businesses and production establishments in their manufacturing and product consumption activities. This is not only in the areas related to the Business Support Policy Index but across all PCI indicators that involve the Department of Industry and Trade’s public management responsibilities.

The Department also creates land reserves for business, services, and manufacturing by leading and working with other departments, agencies, and communities to successfully implement the Plan for the Development of Industrial Clusters throughout the province. In order to lease land for its projects, this seeks to draw in and offer advantageous terms to investors and businesses, particularly small and medium-sized organizations.

Bac Ninh also prioritizes enhancing the caliber of its civil officials, optimizing the administrative machinery, and using information technology and digitizing processes to provide businesses with prompt and transparent services.

Improving the investment environment and enhancing the PCI is a long-term process that requires steadfast goals, unity in action, and consistency in governance. With a progressive spirit, decisive action, and strategic vision, Bac Ninh is gradually solidifying its position as the leading investment destination in the northern region. Raising the PCI is not only a political task but also a key driver for economic and social development, improving the people's quality of life, and strengthening the local brand in the eyes of the international community.