•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Ministry of Home Affairs has released the 2025 Administrative Reform Index (PAR INDEX) results for ministries, ministerial agencies, and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities. The PAR INDEX is used to assess administrative reform in a comprehensive, objective, and multidimensional way, helping agencies identify strengths and gaps to improve governance efficiency and service quality for citizens. 2025 marked the 14th year of provincial-level evaluation.
The Ministry updated the evaluation criteria under Decision No. 1187/QD-BNV dated October 15, 2025, aiming to align the assessment with practical requirements and advance reform targets under Government Resolution No. 76/NQ-CP. The evaluation is conducted on a digital platform and combines quantitative and qualitative elements, with participation from citizens, enterprises, and civil servants.
In 2025, the Ministry conducted nearly 99,700 surveys, including more than 35,600 from citizens, to measure satisfaction with services provided by state administrative agencies.
At the provincial level, PAR INDEX 2025 continued to rise, reaching an average of 89.96%, the highest on record and up 1.59 percentage points from 2024.
In the 2025 ranking, Hai Phong topped the country with a score of 95.37%. The Ministry cited Hai Phong’s administrative reform achievements as contributing to economic growth and public satisfaction.
Hai Phong has been authorized by the National Assembly to pilot certain mechanisms and special policies to address institutional bottlenecks, with the goal of creating a more open, stable, and attractive investment environment.
In 2025, Hai Phong maintained double-digit GDP growth, reaching 11.81%, which is 1.47 times the national average. It was also the only locality to sustain double-digit growth for 11 consecutive years.
State budget revenue in Hai Phong reached over VND 187,000 billion, up 23.1% year-on-year. Domestic investment attracted more than VND 371,000 billion, up 8.3 times over the same period.
Several other provinces also posted strong results: Quang Ninh scored 93.16% (second), Dong Nai 93.10% (third), Ninh Binh 93.08% (fourth), and Hanoi 92.90% (fifth).
Cao Bang ranked last with 82.73%. Other low performers included Lai Chau and Lang Son.
According to the Ministry, in 2025 six of eight provincial component indices increased. Public financial reform recorded the largest rise, up 4.99%.
Public administration reform remained the highest-performing area, averaging 98.14%, with all provinces scoring above 90%. Hai Phong led this component with 99.92%.
In the “Digital transformation in state agencies” field, the average reached 84.89%. Ninh Binh led with 97.17%, while Cao Bang lagged at 71.19%.
The index “Impact of administrative reform on citizens and socio-economic development” averaged 83.96%, up 2.48% from the previous year. Quang Ninh led this area with 92.45%.
The Ministry described 2025 as a milestone in the reform process, linked to reorganizing the administrative apparatus, operating a two-tier local government model, and advancing nationwide digital transformation. It said the reforms have contributed to improved governance, a better business environment, and gradually higher citizen satisfaction.
At the same time, the results indicate that some reform areas remain insufficient to meet development needs and public expectations. The Ministry said this will provide a basis for ministries, sectors, and localities to continue reviewing and addressing remedies in the next phase.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
