The specific support programmeTraining courses
In 2005, there were 140 training course for business operation and management conducted in 36 provinces and cities. Also, associations and some ministries compiled and published 26 subjects for this course. In 2006, with supporting funds of the Government, such training courses have been adopted in 19 provinces of the Northwest and the central highlands, and in three SME technical centres.
Besides, many localities are actively organizing training courses for SMEs from local budgets, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nghe An and Ba Ria Vung Tau. Through that, enterprises can be equipped with basic knowledge and management experience for the market economy.
Technical aids
There have been three SME technical support centres under the Planning and Investment Ministry, focused on each sector to meet the demand of enterprises. Moreover, other authorities such as the Ministry of Technology and Science, and the Ministry of Industry are establishing suitable policies and mechanisms encouraging science and technology institutes to transfer their inventions for the operation of SMEs.
Many provinces and cities have built up transaction websites for trading online, forming a cyberspace marketplace for technology and equipment. Besides, many models provide technical information for raising, planting and agricultural processing for SMEs in remote places.
Credit approaches
Within the last three years, the banking credit system has been continuously adjusted and improved under market regulations and international routines. Since then, credit policies adopted in the economy, especially for SMEs, are quite consistent.
Many new banking system regulations have created an impartial business environment among enterprises from different sectors, on the basis of mutual benefit and efficiency. Now, SMEs are more confident and recognize their star role in the new business culture.
Beside traditional loans, banks have implemented many types of credit, for example, the guaranty, the discount, the re-discount of valuable documents etc, creating legal principles for credit unions to expand their investment channels in accordance with international regulations and the Vietnamese legal system. Especially, financial lease is a new technique providing enterprises with both short- and long-term capital, with the mortgages as a guaranty in commercial banks. However, because of limited communication and advertising, the technique is quite unfamiliar to most enterprises.
Trade promotion and information support
The program aims to introduce and advertise products of Vietnam, attracting foreign investors, seeking more business partners and expanding markets as well as increasing export turn-over. Many programs are adopted for trade promotion and national brand consolidation, pursuant to WTO commitment and procedures.
According to the Trade Promotion Department, there were 155 trade promotion programs sanctioned with financial support of VND 144.7 billion. In 2007, there have been 158 programs with financial support of VND 174 billion, sanctioned at the end of quarter two of 2006 and put into effect.
Besides, the Ministry of Trade has established some units supporting business operations; holding trade fairs and researching the market; building up programs to develop the wholesale market, port yard and warehouse, organizing import-export training courses and co-operating with authorities to solve the problems of enterprises.
Under international regulations and commitments, the program is necessary to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs. However, it is the first step that enterprises need to integrate into the global arena.
P.V
Vietnamese
