While the contribution of SMEs to Vietnams growth is increasing rapidly, the development is mainly to the benefit of the economic centeres in the North and in the South. This project aims at helping SMEs in less developed regions of the country to improve their export performance and international competitiveness through a decentralized approach. The program is executed nationally by Vietrade in partnership with the Regional Trade Support Institutions, in line with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

The program aims at increasing the international competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by strengthening the service capacities of the trade promotion organisations and trade support institutions at the provincial level.

three Regional Trade Support Networks in North-, South-, and Central Vietnam are able to provide professional services to exporting SMEs,

the trade enabling environment is strengthened through enhanced capacities at the Central Government level for the implementation of the National Export-Import Strategy, and

Vietrade has improved back-stopping capacities for the regional trade promotion offices and trade support institutions.

Expected results:  

Three regional trade support networks established and operational

Regional Export Development Plans implemented

An Export Development Consultative Group is established

Strengthened functional technical capacities of Vietrade in trade promotion and technical support to trade promotion organisations and trade support institutions

Results from previous phases:  

The program is a follow-up of a former phase where a national export strategy was developed and capacities of Vietrade were developed to provide trade-related services.

Phase 2 01.01.2012 - 31.05.2018   (Completed)