Developing a higher performing private sector enterprises and SME should be the focus in enterprise development policy in Vietnam in the next decade. This is one of the key messages which was announced in the study “Reaching a New Height – Review of Policies for a Stronger Performance of the Private Enterprises and SMEs in Vietnam in Forthcoming Decade”. The study was implemented by Economica Vietnam under the UNDP and CIEM Technical Assistance Project in support of the Government Taskforce for the Implementation of the Enterprise Law and Investment Law.  The study is a follow-up of the “Rapid Assessment on the Quality of Private Enterprises and SMEs” which analyzes the financial performance and key constraints related to the quality and performance of this sector. The rapid assessment was also implemented by Economica Vietnam under the same project and was released at the beginning of 2010.

The study focus on three policy areas which related to (i) investment and investment efficiency of private sector enterprises; (ii) application of technology, research and development, innovation; and (iii) labor quality and development of a strong labor market in support of private enterprises and SMEs in Vietnam. It covers both a wide range of policy issues and many specific issues which are hindering the quality development of the sector. A policy matrix which includes a comprehensive set of policy recommendations is formulated with an aim to provide some food for thought and further discussions on the issues.

The study was implemented under the supervision of Dr. Nguyen Dinh Cung, Vice President of the Central Institute of Economic Management (CIEM). It also benefited from comments from leading economists and advisors, e.g. Md. Pham Chi Lan, Dr. Le Dang Doanh, Dr. Dang Duc Dam, Dr. Doan Hong Quang (the World Bank), Dr. Nguyen Van Thang (National Economic University). Especially, it benefited a great deal from the comments of business association, enterprises, academia, researchers, and the mass media from two consultation workshops which were organized in Hanoi on 12 October 2010 and in Binh Duong on 17 December 2010.

And some of the articles being written on the report:

1. “Private Sector Enterprises Must be the Key Engine of the National Economy”, the Saigon Economic Times, 16 December 2010.
2. “Private Sector Enterprises and the Paradox of Investment Incentives”, the Saigon Economic Times, 16 December 2010.
3. "Entrepreneur Day: Happy and Unhappy Issues", the Saigon Tiep Thi, 13 October, 2010.
4. "Private Sector Enterprises: Unprepared for a Leapfrog", the Saigon Tiep Thi, 11 October, 2010.
5. "A Gloomy Picture", the Sai Gon Tiep Thi, 20 October 2010.
6.  " A Journey of Ten Years: Measurable and Unmeasurable Results", the Saigon Economic Times, 25 February 2010. 

The full report is being edited and will be released on the websites of the Taskforce and of Economica soon.