Title: The contribution of SMEs in the economic transition of Vietnam

Authors: Charles Harvie

Addresses: University of Wollongong, Australia

Abstract: This paper focuses on the need for Vietnam to encourage the nurturing, growth and development of private sector small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Private entrepreneurship and enterprise reform can play a crucial role in the on going reform of the Vietnamese economy. Establishing a dynamic non-state manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on SMEs, will be a precondition for attaining the twin objectives of (1) restructuring and slimming state enterprises and (2) expanding non-farm employment and income opportunities. SMEs have the potential for job creation, contributing to sustainable economic development, allocating resources more efficiently, expanding exports, achieving a more equal distribution of incomes, and assisting in rural and regional development.

Keywords: SMEs; small and medium enterprises; economic transition; Vietnam; private sector; entrepreneurship; enterprise reform; manufacturing sector; economic growth.

DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2004.007848

Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2004 Vol.2 No.2, pp.1 - 16

Published online: 27 Sep 2005 *

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