Enabling government helps businesses thrive
The PCI 2.0 Index provides a comprehensive measure of economic governance, highlighting Lam Dong's progress in administrative reform while identifying remaining bottlenecks that need to be addressed. The findings support the province's efforts to build a more business-friendly environment for the private sector amid administrative restructuring and the implementation of new policies and regulations.
Promoting a level playing field
Lam Dong was among 13 provinces in the high-performing group of the 2025 PCI. The province is also reinforcing its position as the economic hub of the South Central Highlands while striving to become a safe, green and sustainable investment destination.
The progress reflects Lam Dong's push to digitalize public services and streamline administrative procedures. It also underscores the province's commitment to supporting businesses under the leadership of Ho Van Muoi, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.
Regular in-person and online dialogues between provincial leaders and the business community have shifted from formal meetings to practical problem-solving. The discussions focus on removing legal bottlenecks for major investment projects, particularly key transport infrastructure projects such as the Dau Giay - Lien Khuong Expressway.
To create a favorable, transparent and competitive investment and business environment that attracts both domestic and foreign investment, particularly from major corporations and strategic investors in transport infrastructure, urban development, high-tech agriculture, processing industries, renewable energy and tourism. At the same time, to foster a dynamic business ecosystem, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and enhance the capacity of local enterprises.
Development orientation under the Decision approving amendments to the Lam Dong Provincial Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050
In the 2025 PCI rankings, Lam Dong achieved the country's highest score of 7.75 in the Fair Competition Index, well above the national median of 5.51. The result suggests businesses perceive a more level playing field, with less policy bias toward large enterprises than in other provinces.
The province also performed well in Administrative Procedure Compliance Costs, scoring 7.6, above the national median and placing it among the country's better-performing localities. Businesses gave positive feedback on the friendliness of public officials, with 92.22% expressing satisfaction, and on the effectiveness of online public services in reducing time and costs. Meanwhile, the proportion of firms subject to multiple inspections or overlapping inspections remained well below the national average.
Lam Dong was also a strong performer in the Informal Charges Index, with a score of 7.40. The result reflects the relatively low prevalence and scale of unofficial payments. The share of businesses reporting regular informal charges was below the national median, while only 1.04% said such payments exceeded 10% of their revenue.
The province also recorded a solid 7.3 in the Legal Institutions Index. Businesses gave positive assessments of the fairness and impartiality of court rulings, as well as the effectiveness of legal support services, indicating growing confidence in the province's legal system and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Enabling government stands out
Lam Dong also ranked among the country's top performers in the Proactive Local Government Index, scoring 6.60, just below the national high score of 6.67 and well above the national median. Businesses gave positive feedback on the provincial government's support for the private sector and its responsiveness in addressing business concerns. Confidence in the authorities' commitment to improving the business environment and resolving issues through dialogue was also higher than the national average.
Despite the strong performance, the 2025 PCI report noted that Lam Dong still needs to improve business support policies, market entry procedures and access to resources to further strengthen the private sector.
Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, Vice Chairwoman of the Lam Dong Business Association and General Director of Bien Que Huong Co., Ltd., said the business community highly appreciated the provincial authorities' efforts to support enterprises. Administrative reforms and digital transformation have delivered tangible benefits, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
However, she said the province should shift from supporting businesses to treating them as development partners. She also called for more practical measures to improve access to finance, remove bottlenecks throughout project implementation, promote trade and market expansion, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen corporate governance.
At a conference announcing amendments to the Lam Dong Provincial Master Plan for 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050, Ho Van Muoi, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, called on authorities, businesses and residents to work together to attract investment. He stressed the need for an open and business-friendly environment that provides maximum support for investors.