Phu My Ward – HCMC: A platform to enhance PCI based on two pillars

However, according to economic experts, to fully unlock its potential and achieve stronger breakthroughs, the province must build a solid foundation rooted in transparency and fairness in its investment environment. These are not only key to attracting investment capital but also guiding principles for sustainably improving the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI).

Transparency and fairness are indispensable pillars in any developed market economy. They ensure that all businesses—regardless of size or origin—are treated equally, with clear and easy access to information and resources. When transparency is upheld, information is made public, clear, and easily accessible, helping investors make informed decisions. Meanwhile, fairness eliminates unwarranted privileges and arbitrary administrative barriers, fostering a healthy competitive environment.

Building an Honest, Facilitating, and Service-Oriented Administration

Understanding this importance, the leadership of the former Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province and Phu My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, has shown a strong commitment to fighting corruption and enhancing transparency. This is not just rhetoric—it is being realized through concrete actions and policies, reflecting the determined effort to build an honest, facilitating, and service-oriented administration.

First, they are focusing on improving institutions and policies to create a robust legal framework that leaves no room for negative practices. Regulations related to investment, land, and construction are being reviewed, revised, and newly issued in a simplified and transparent manner. This minimizes arbitrariness in public service implementation and enhances the accountability of state agencies.

At the same time, inspection and oversight activities have been intensified across all levels and sectors. Violations and corruption, regardless of scale, are strictly punished, leaving no “off-limits” areas. This sends a clear message that all misconduct will be exposed and handled, serving as a powerful deterrent and reinforcing the business community’s trust in the rule of law.

Promoting education on integrity and anti-corruption is also emphasized—not only among officials and civil servants but throughout society. Raising awareness of the consequences of corruption and the benefits of transparency and fairness is key to building a culture of integrity within both the political system and the business community.

To tighten administrative discipline and improve the effectiveness of anti-corruption, waste prevention, and the fight against misconduct, the People’s Committee of the former Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province issued an implementation plan for Directive No. 70-CT/TU dated April 4, 2025, from the Provincial Party Standing Committee, and Official Letter No. 664-CV/ĐU dated May 5, 2025, from the Party Committee of the Provincial People's Committee. This plan calls for enhancing the quality of inspections and audits, particularly in public investment, procurement, and finance.

A Breakthrough: Public Disclosure of Information

A major breakthrough in promoting transparency in Phu My Ward has been the proactive public disclosure of information. Priority is given to making information about land, planning, and investment incentives—areas often prone to opacity and corruption—easily accessible.

Details such as land use plans, detailed construction planning, and annual land use plans are widely published on provincial websites, relevant department portals, and at administrative offices. This allows investors to access accurate and complete information before making investment decisions, thereby avoiding risks caused by information asymmetry.

Furthermore, all investment incentive policies—covering tax, land, and other support programs—are clearly and publicly listed. This ensures that investors fully understand their entitlements and promotes fairness in policy implementation. All eligible enterprises receive equal benefits, eliminating the need for favoritism or discretionary approvals.

Transparency also extends to public investment projects, contractor selection, and construction licensing. Each step is clearly disclosed, enabling the community and businesses to monitor, detect, and report any irregularities.

IT: A Powerful Tool for Transparency

In the digital era, information technology (IT) is key to modernizing administration and a powerful tool to enhance transparency. Phu My Ward is actively applying IT to administrative procedures, moving toward an efficient, transparent e-government.

Level 3 and 4 online public services have been widely implemented, allowing residents and businesses to submit applications, track processing progress, and receive results online without visiting government offices. This not only saves time and cost but more importantly, minimizes direct contact between officials and businesses, thereby reducing opportunities for corruption. The entire process—from application to processing to result delivery—is digitized and publicly archived, creating cross-check mechanisms and ensuring transparency.

An integrated one-stop electronic system has been built and refined to synchronize administrative processes and data across departments and agencies. All applications are tracked via electronic codes, allowing businesses to check the status of their cases anytime, anywhere. This eliminates duplication, responsibility avoidance, and delays.

Digitizing records and creating shared databases (such as for land, enterprises, and planning) also contributes significantly to transparency. These datasets are standardized, easily accessible, and shareable, ensuring consistency and accuracy of information.

For transparency and fairness to be truly effective, participation from the directly affected parties—namely the business community—is crucial. Phu My Ward has actively encouraged businesses to engage in monitoring and evaluating government performance.

Channels for dialogue between the government and businesses have been expanded and are maintained regularly. These include periodic forums, thematic meetings, and feedback systems through online portals and hotlines. Business feedback is listened to, considered, and addressed promptly and seriously.

Phu My Ward also encourages businesses to participate in the PCI evaluation process by completing relevant survey indices. PCI results are published annually, offering an objective reflection of how businesses perceive the local business environment. This puts positive pressure on government agencies to improve and raise governance quality.

In addition, the formation and empowerment of business associations and entrepreneur clubs are also promoted. These organizations serve as vital bridges between the business community and authorities, collecting and conveying feedback and monitoring policy implementation to help shape a healthier business environment.

Transparency and fairness are not only core values but also the solid foundation for Phu My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly part of Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province), to make breakthroughs in improving its Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) and attracting high-quality investment. With strong anti-corruption commitments, synchronized implementation of transparency measures, IT application, and increased business engagement, Phu My Ward is steadily building an investment environment that is truly attractive, fair, and trustworthy.

The sustainable development of the area will only be assured when every policy and activity is conducted under the light of transparency, and every investor is treated equally and given the same opportunities. That is the only path for Phu My Ward to not only remain a promising destination but to become a place where investors can confidently grow and contribute to shared prosperity.