Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has underscored the need to create an equal and transparent climate in order to facilitate the operation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking at the third national congress of the Vietnam Association of SMEs (VINASME) in Hanoi on December 3, the PM urged the association to work with its members to expand their share in the domestic market, stretch their reach abroad and join global production, supply and distribution chains, thereby contributing to agricultural restructuring and rural economic development.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and delegates at the congress

Calling on firms to operate with integrity and avoid abetting negative phenomena, the Government leader affirmed that the Party and State always pay special attention to building and developing the Vietnamese business community.

The Government has been making efforts to build a growth-facilitating government that serves people and businesses, while encouraging start-ups and creating all the best possible conditions for enterprises, he said.

Business representatives at the congress expressed their support for the PM’s message and hailed the Government’s drastic actions to remove difficulties and obstacles for production and business activities.

SMEs account for over 97 percent of the country’s total businesses, and have significantly contributed to economic growth and job generation.

They have contributed about 40 percent of the national gross domestic products (GDP), 33 percent of industrial production value and 30 percent of export revenues, and employed around half of the national workforce.

Source: VNA