The workshop was attended by representatives from the GREAT Project, Economica Vietnam, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), leaders of provincial departments, agencies, and localities, as well as members of the business community, cooperatives, and household businesses in the province.

At the workshop, experts from Economica Vietnam and VCCI shared information related to the Son La DDCI (Department and District Competitiveness Index) 2025, including priority issues and orientations for improving the business environment; opportunities and challenges in improving the investment and business environment in Son La through the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) 2.0 results and the connection with Son La DDCI; and experience in implementing Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private economic development.

The workshop also devoted considerable time to discussing such topics as administrative procedures, market entry, compliance costs (including time costs and informal costs), and the implementation of policies and action programmes related to gender responsiveness, green growth, innovation promotion, and research and development (R&D).

Provincial departments, agencies, and local authorities candidly pointed out existing shortcomings and difficulties in policy implementation, while also discussing solutions and initiatives to improve governance quality. Representatives of businesses, cooperatives, and household businesses shared practical difficulties and obstacles, and proposed realistic solutions.

The comments and recommendations collected during the workshop will be consolidated by the organising committee to finalise a policy recommendation report. This report will serve as a basis for advising the provincial People’s Committee in developing programmes and plans to improve the investment and business environment and enhance the province’s competitiveness in the coming period.