Thanh Hoa strives to improve provincial competitiveness index

The central province of Thanh Hoa showed its determination to increase its provincial competitiveness index (PCI) via overhauling administrative procedures at a recent conference on local PCI performance.
Thanh Hoa strives to improve provincial competitiveness index ảnh 1A corner of Thanh Hoa (Source: VNA)
Thanh Hoa (VNA) –The central province of Thanh Hoa showed its determination to increase itsprovincial competitiveness index (PCI) via overhauling administrative proceduresat a recent conference on local PCI performance.

At the function, Hoang VanHung, Director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, saidThanh Hoa plans to review procedures for licensing business establishment,investment, and construction, among others in order to make suitableadjustments for better performance.

The local authorities willalso implement measures to facilitate operations of enterprises, he added,requiring relevant agencies and sectors boost IT application, data publication,and strict punishment of public servants who violate regulations or  cause difficulties for businesses.

He noted that local effortshave so far lowered average time for handling administrative procedures inThanh Hoa by 30 percent compared to the level in the current regulation.

Participants suggestedfurther simplification of administrative procedures to further shortening timeand prevent overlaps.

President of the VietnamChamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc urged the province toimprove its PCI in the fields of taxation, land and market management, advisinglocal authorities to create an equal business climate and increase inspectionsof business operations.

Loc praised monthly meetingsheld between the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee and enterprisesto help them clear obstacles to their operations.

According to a PCI survey bythe VCCI, Thanh Hoa scored 62.46 points last year, ranking 28th among63 cities and provinces, up three places from 2016. This was the highest scorethe province had recorded to date. Also in 2017, Thanh Hoa’s PCI had twosub-indices in the top ten scores nationwide, which were those on market entryand land access. However, the improvement of its sub-indices on transparencyand informal fees failed to meet businesses’ expectations.-VNA
VNA

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Exporters diversify orders to reduce reliance on single market

Facing the risks posed by trade barriers and potential reciprocal tariffs from the US, many businesses have proactively shifted their market strategies, stepped up trade promotion, and diversified their orders to reduce reliance on a single market.

A customer buys petrol at a station in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Government proposes 2-pp VAT reduction on select goods and services until 2026

A 2-percentage-point reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) for goods and services will lead to a decrease in state revenue by approximately 121.74 trillion VND (over 4.69 billion USD) over the proposed period. This includes an estimated 39.54 trillion VND in the second half of 2025 and 82.2 trillion VND in 2026.

Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

Petrol prices up in latest adjustment

E5 RON92 petrol is now capped at 19,180 VND (0.74 USD) per litre, up 403 VND from the previous adjustment, while RON95-III petrol costs 19,594 VND per litre, up 415 VND.

Delegates at the groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

Ba Ria-Vung Tau: New phase of luxury resort project kicks off

The nearly 1 billion USD subdivision includes a system of 5-star hotels, resort villas, entertainment facilities, a casino, and an international convention and exhibition centre, with more than 6,000 rooms, serving over 18,000 guests at the same time.

As of the end of March, nearly two million households and individual business owners nationwide were still paying taxes under the lump-sum method. (Photo: VNA)

Abolishing presumptive tax ensures greater fairness and transparency: experts

Under the Politburo's Resolution 68-NQ/TW, the presumptive tax model is to be completely phased out by 2026. The goal is to narrow the financial and accounting gap between household businesses and micro or small enterprises, and to gradually transition household businesses into entities with proper governance structures.

The 2025 Vietnam International Electronics and Smart Appliances Expo (IEAE) will be held in HCM City from May 29 to 31. (Illustrative photo: ieae.com.vn)

HCM City to host int'l electronics, smart appliances expo

Spanning over 10,000 s.q.m, the exhibition will gather more than 350 enterprises from Vietnam and China. It will showcase a wide range of products across the consumer electronics and smart home appliance sectors, offering direct access to manufacturers and promoting trade links.

A wide range of Chinese products are on display at the China Homelife Vietnam 2025 being held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre from May 14 to 16. (Photo: VNA)

China Homelife exhibition opens in HCM City

A highlight of the event is the VIP Buyer Programme, tailored exclusively for strategic buyers and senior executives, which offers priority access to exhibitors, personalised matchmaking services, private meeting spaces, and premium networking areas.

Visitors at the exhibition (Photo: VNA)

Nearly 900 enterprises join Vietbuild Da Nang 2025

Running from May 14 to 18, Vietbuild Da Nang 2025 serves as a platform to showcase new products, cutting-edge technologies, and international brands in the construction, building materials, real estate, and décor industries.