Vietnam SMEs Most Optimistic about Economic Outlook

Vietnam remains at the top among 21 markets worldwide in a HSBC survey that gauges six-month outlook of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on local economic growth, capital investment plans and recruitment.

The survey captures the views of 6,300 SMEs in 21 markets across Asia, Middle East, European, North America and Latin America.

The results were used to calculate an index ranging from 0 to 200. The figure of 200 represents the highest confidence level, 0 for the lowest and 100 neutral. The survey was carried between May and June.

The Southeast Asian country gained an index of 164, followed by Turkey (138), Singapore (136), and the Middle East (132), the survey showed.

In terms of local economic growth next six months, 77% of the country’s SMEs have a positive outlook about it, compared to 71% in the fourth quarter, 2009.

HSBC also showed that 48% said that the government’s policies and measures are among the major factors fuelling Vietnam’s economic recovery.

Up to 70% of local SMEs said that they will raise their capital investments, while 29% disclosed that they will remain their operations and only 3% affirmed that they will cut investments.

The survey pointed that up 58% of local companies plan to recruit more workers whist 39% revealed that they will not recruit laborers and only 3% said that they will cut its personnel team. – VET

Tags: Vietnam SMEs