Manufacturing clothes at Garco 10 Company. (Photo: Khac Kien)

As of the end of 2024, Ha Noi has more than 400,000 registered enterprises; among them, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 98.2%, creating jobs for 55.1% of the workforce and contributing over 40% to the city’s economic output.

A bridge between enterprises and authorities

Founded in 1995, HANOISME has expanded from a few dozen members to over 11,000. According to Mac Quoc Anh, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of HANOISME, the association currently operates 28 district-level clubs along with four clubs in Ho Chi Minh City, and maintains five representative offices in the US, Japan, Austria, Singapore, and the Czech Republic.

Through its extensive network, the association has fostered connections, support and the creation of a dynamic and efficient business ecosystem, contributing over 40% of the capital city’s economic output and 35% of its export turnover while providing jobs for more than 5.5 million people.

The association also actively engages in policy discussion, promptly submitting hundreds of important recommendations to improve the business environment, support enterprise development, and promote innovation, digital transformation, and corporate social responsibility.

Hoang Quang Phong, Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), expressed his hope that HANOISME will continue to strengthen its role as a representative body for entrepreneurs and enterprises, serving as a solid bridge between businesses and the government. This will enable VCCI to better listen to and help resolve the difficulties and challenges faced by enterprises.

Recently, HANOISME held a ceremony to mark its 30th anniversary and receive the First-Class Labour Order awarded by the president. However, municipal leaders have noted that the SME sector still faces numerous difficulties. The number of dissolved or temporarily suspended enterprises is increasing, while the number of new business registrations in 2025 is declining. Production and business activities remain challenging.

Private sector as the most important economic driver

The city has issued a plan to implement the prime minister’s directive on promoting SMEs. The aim is to have 30,000 new enterprises registered in 2025, with each year surpassing the previous, so that by 2030, Ha Noi will have 200,000 additional enterprises.

In 2025, the city aims for more than 50% of enterprises to adopt innovation, provide employment for 167,000 workers, and reduce the urban unemployment rate to below 3%. The rate of skilled workers is expected to reach 75%, with 55% holding degrees or certificates.

To achieve these targets, the city will continue to review and streamline administrative procedures, aiming to cut at least 30% of processing time in 2025.

It also targets a minimum 30% reduction in compliance costs related to administrative procedures within the authority of the municipal government.

Additionally, Ha Noi will propose that ministries and central agencies eliminate at least 30% of unnecessary business conditions, and strongly shift from “pre-inspection” to “post-inspection” mechanisms, accompanied by enhanced supervision and inspection.

The Politburo’s Resolution 68 on developing the private sector identifies the private sector as the most important driving force of the national economy. The community of small and medium enterprises in Ha Noi has enthusiastically welcomed this key resolution.

HANOISME aims to work alongside the central government to realise the goal of having two million enterprises by 2030, contributing 55-58% of GDP, and over three million enterprises by 2045, contributing more than 60% of GDP.