Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai VINASME and businesses move forward

DNHN - Vice-Prime Minister Le Minh Khai suggested that the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises continue to provide the government with specific solutions and actions in support of SMEs.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai attended the National Congress of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) term IV 2023-2028 on the morning of March 23, 2023.

During the congress, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai made the following assessment: During the 3rd congress of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (2018-2022), particularly over the past three years, the world situation and the region have undergone rapid and complex changes, there are unprecedented problems, and there are no accurate forecasts.

In addition to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and natural disasters are causing serious consequences; strategic competition among major countries is intensifying; the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has occurred and persisted; the risks of energy security, food security, and risks in the world's financial, currency, and real estate markets are rising, resulting in a slowdown in economic growth and profound changes in the political, economic, and social order on a global scale.

In the country, there are opportunities, advantages, and disadvantages, and challenges are intertwined, but difficulties and challenges are greater, especially the impact of the epidemic, adverse external factors, and limitations., the internal woes persisted for many years, severely impacting the socioeconomic situation, health, and life of the people, as well as the production and business activities of enterprises in general, and small and medium enterprises in particular.

In this context, under the leadership of the Central Committee, which is directly and frequently the Politburo, the Secretariat, and the key leader, Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, we have achieved a timely transition to a state of safe, flexible adaptation and effective control of the COVID-19 epidemic; while effectively handling arising problems, promoting socioeconomic recovery and development, and supporting individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.

Thanks to the efforts of the entire Party, the people, and the armed forces, the macroeconomy is stable, inflation is under control, and major balances are maintained; growth is maintained at a reasonable rate in 2020, 2021, and especially 2022, reaching a high growth rate (8.02%).

The fields of culture, society, environment, natural disaster prevention and response, and climate change response are given attention and strengthened; social security is guaranteed; national defense and security are consolidated; social order and safety are ensured; anti-corruption and negative work are promoted; foreign affairs and international integration have yielded numerous significant results; our nation's position and prestige on the international stage continue to be consolidated.

In the first two months of 2023, despite facing more challenges than in 2022, the socioeconomic situation continued its trend of stabilization and recovery. The macro economy was maintained, inflation was under control, and major balances were secured. The money market was essentially stable, lending interest rates began to trend downward, and the banking system's liquidity remained assured. The estimated budget revenue for the first two months of the year was 22.4% of the estimate, an increase of 10.6% over the same period, with domestic revenue increasing by 17% and the trade surplus reaching 2.82 billion US dollars.

According to the Resolution of the XIII Party Congress, the business community and the people of the country are striving to overcome difficulties and challenges in 2023, the pivotal year of the five-year socio-economic development plan for 2021-2025.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Vietnamese business and business community, including small and medium-sized enterprises, contributed significantly to this accomplishment. On behalf of the Government, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai praised and congratulated the efforts and significant achievements of the Vietnamese business community and small and medium-sized enterprises over the years.

The Deputy Prime Minister largely concurred with the comments and assessments made in the General Meeting's reports and speeches, and he emphasized that enterprises are of particular significance, as they are the focus and object of activities. Production and business activities contribute significantly to the growth and prosperity of the economy.

The eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth Party congresses identified enterprises as a key force and an important driving force that positively contributes to socioeconomic development.

Vietnamese enterprises have grown steadily over the years, paralleling their rapid expansion in number (there are currently nearly 900,000 operating businesses, over 25,000 cooperatives, and more than 5 million business households). and improve operational efficiency, particularly in terms of capital, revenue, profit, job creation, employment, and income for employees; demonstrates its role as a key force in managing and organizing production resources, producing goods and services for society, and promoting socioeconomic development of the nation.

The business sector accounts for approximately 60% of the GDP and 30% of the total number of employees in the economy. There are businesses and entrepreneurs in nearly all industries and fields.

Numerous businesses and entrepreneurs have built their reputations, reaffirmed their brand values, and expanded their operations throughout the region and the globe. In recent years, in particular, there has emerged a group of young, dynamic entrepreneurs who successfully launch new and innovative business models, becoming progressively embedded in regional and global value chains.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular continued to grow in size, production, and business capacity. Currently, over 97% of businesses in the United States are small and medium-sized businesses.

The SME force has made increasingly significant contributions to the economy over the past decade, particularly in maintaining and expanding production and business, creating jobs, stabilizing people's lives, and promoting economic growth. economic. Along with the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises' role, standing, and reputation have been increasingly affirmed.

During its final term, 2018-2023, the Association continued to execute its roles and responsibilities effectively. Specifically, the Association has amassed a large number of small and medium-sized businesses, and its membership continues to grow; it now has over 63,8 thousand members.

The Vietnam SMEs Association has grown significantly in terms of size, type, quantity, quality, and operational efficiency as a result of the effective operation of the Executive Board for the 2018-2023 term.

The Association has actively participated in the development and implementation of significant business policies, including resolutions of the Central Committee, the Politburo, the National Assembly, and the Government about business. Advise, comment, and participate in the development, improvement, and enhancement of the legal system's quality. Actively reviewing and recommending numerous changes and additions to policies to eliminate obstacles and create favorable conditions for the business community.

The association has initiatives to promote policy implementation, actively contribute to the improvement of the business environment, and promote business trends toward sustainable development. Lead and promote the integration of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises. Implement numerous trade and investment promotion programs that are effective.

Actively coordinate with local ministries and sectors to promptly reflect business opinions on mechanisms and policies, especially those about credit capital, and serve as a conduit for handling problems and requests. the community of small and medium-sized businesses

These accomplishments are highly commendable in light of the numerous difficulties and obstacles encountered. On this occasion, I would like to recognize, appreciate, and congratulate the Association's accomplishments over the past term, especially its contribution to promoting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, which contributed to the nation's development.

The Deputy Prime Minister commended the Association for openly acknowledging that, in addition to the achieved results, the development of the business community and the Association's activities still have limitations and deficiencies that must be effectively addressed. results in the foreseeable future In which the rate of businesses dissolving or ceasing operations remains high; business size remains modest. The capacity for science and technology management, integration, and application remains insufficient.

In some areas, the Vietnam Association of SMEs' performance is still inadequate. It is necessary to further promote participation in the formulation of policy on a variety of economic issues, as the level of interdependence and cooperation among Vietnamese businesses is not yet high enough to form a cohesive development bloc. - Society within the nation...

It is anticipated that the global situation will continue to face numerous difficulties and challenges in the future. Slow recovery, declining growth, and the difficulties of major trading partners and countries; High inflation and prolonged tightening of monetary policy in many countries pose potential threats to the stability of the global financial, currency, and real estate markets.

Value chain shift, market trends toward sustainable production and consumption, the global minimum tax issue, and new requirements on green development, environmental protection, and climate change response pose significant challenges for the Vietnamese business community, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Understanding and sharing difficulties and obstacles, the government will continue to direct research and perfect policies and solutions to support and energize the development of the business team and business community.

Specifically, the government, at all levels, branches, and localities, will continue to support and create the most favorable business investment environment for the business community in general and the SME force, in particular, to grow robustly and efficiently. more results. Prioritizing maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, promoting growth, and ensuring major economic balances are among the key contents.

Continue constructing and refining institutions, mechanisms, and policies suited to the new context and circumstances. Determinedly eliminate obsolete regulations, and eliminate bottlenecks that may hinder the operation and growth of businesses and entrepreneurs.

Strengthen the link between labor supply and demand, train and cultivate human resources, particularly high-quality human resources.

Promote national digital transformation, stimulate internal resources, and strongly encourage the growth of the domestic private business community, particularly in the manufacturing, high technology, and information technology industries. information that forms domestic and global supply chains and value chains.

Regarding the plan for the next term, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai largely concurred with the group of key tasks proposed in the Association's congress document; suggested that the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises continue to promote the good tradition, continue to take specific solutions and actions, and accompany the Government, ministries, sectors, and localities in their support of enterprises. Small and medium-sized enterprises overcome obstacles and continue to accelerate the recovery and growth process.

In particular, strengthening the role of a bridge, advocating for policies, maintaining dialogues with ministries, branches, and localities, and maintaining relations with domestic and foreign agencies and organizations involved in the development of laws and policies. A policy governing the production and commercial activities of the SME community. Strengthen the ties between member associations, member enterprises, and domestic and international businesses, and collaborate for mutual growth.

Synthesize and propose to the Government, ministries, branches, and localities solutions and initiatives to assist businesses with proactive adaptation, rapid recovery, and long-term growth. Distributing, propagating, and promptly revising new policies to member organizations.

Continue to be more proactive in researching and evaluating challenges, opportunities, business trends, and new market trends, particularly requirements on sustainable business and green business; promptly share, guide, assist, and advise member businesses and industries.

The business community in general and the small and medium-sized enterprise force in particular: Constantly making efforts to overcome obstacles and challenges; having specific solutions to increase scale, scope, operational capacity, and competitiveness; dominating the domestic market; and expanding internationally.

To further promote initiative, dynamism, and creativity to not only develop the businesses they own but also to strengthen cooperation with one another to generate synergy and improve the standing of Vietnamese businesses. Male.

Developing a team of talented, conscientious, and capable entrepreneurs by enhancing the capacity, quality, and quality of human resources, leadership, management, and corporate governance, as well as fostering corporate culture.

Constantly innovating, creating, building, and enhancing brands.

Ensure full employee benefits, continue to demonstrate social responsibility, and actively participate in programs of hunger eradication, poverty reduction, and gratitude and appreciation, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the nation's great unity bloc.

Promoting the good tradition of "Mind - Talent - Wisdom- Trust" and the results achieved, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai wishes and believes that the business community and entrepreneurs in Vietnam, including the force of small and medium enterprises, will continue to well implement the motto "Unity - Discipline - Innovation - Creativity and Development," strive to overcome difficulties and challenges, continually expand in size and scope, and enhance the quality and efficiency of their operations.

P.V (ghi)