Speaking at a workshop in Cao Bang province on June 28, which saw the participation of representatives from 14 northern mountainous provinces, the official pointed out the fact that these localities have been left behind in socio-economic development and investment environment quality. 

Of note, the five provinces with the lowest provincial competitiveness index (PCI) belong to the region, Loc said. 

Given this, he asked the provinces to improve their competitiveness, build department and district competitiveness index, and pay more attention to the quality of investment promotion. 

In this regard, Dau Anh Tuan, head of the VCCI’s Legal Department, said the provinces should push forward the reform of enterprise establishment procedures as well as administrative reform, especially land-related procedures, and pay more heed to micro-and small-sized enterprises. 

Other delegates at the workshop suggested implementing open dialogues to remove difficulties facing enterprises, and boosting regional connectivity in business environment development.