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