Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang (center) at the launch of VCCI’s National Innovative Startup Council, August 2026  

Market selection pressures and corporate differentiation

Many unpredictable challenges and fluctuations continue to affect businesses in 2026. In the first eight months of the year, 40,820 businesses in Vietnam completed dissolution procedures, up 125.5% year-over-year; more than 88,000 temporarily suspended operations for a specified period, while over 28,000 temporarily suspended operations pending dissolution.

A first-quarter 2026 survey by the National Statistics Office indicates that enterprises faced pressures on both the input and output sides. High prices of raw materials, fuel, transportation, and warehousing were cited by 56.1% of businesses; low domestic market demand by 50.4%; and high borrowing interest rates by 32%. Meanwhile, 9.2% of enterprises reported limited competitiveness and outdated equipment and technology.

Conversely, new business establishment continues to grow. In the first eight months, more than 138,000 new enterprises were registered nationwide, up 7.7%, with total registered capital of VND1,708 trillion (US$65.69 billion), an increase of 36.2%. However, the number of registered employees fell 15.4% to approximately 657,000.

Thus, 2026 has seen both a surge in new business establishments and a sharp rise in market exits, reflecting a clearer process of corporate differentiation. Notably, the average registered capital of newly established enterprises reached VND12.37 billion (US$475,769), up 26.4%, while the number of registered workers declined - a trend worth tracking in terms of changes in capital and labor deployment models.

New directions under resolution 41

Practical business demands are reflected in Resolution 41-NQ/TW of the Politburo, issued on October 10, 2023, on building and promoting the role of Vietnamese entrepreneurs in the new era.

The resolution states that the number of Vietnamese entrepreneurs has grown rapidly, with several enterprises and conglomerates expanding to regional and international levels. However, most businesses remain small and medium-sized, with limited competitiveness, while few large enterprises have sufficient capacity to lead supply and value chains.

Given this reality, Resolution 41 sets a target for 2030 of developing an increasing number of enterprises with regional stature and international competitiveness, while establishing major leading enterprises in key sectors. By 2045, the vision is for some businesses to build global brands, enter international supply and value chains, and progressively take leading positions.

Notably, the resolution stresses the need to build an entrepreneurial class grounded in business ethics, compliance with the law, and social responsibility. Related tasks include improving institutions and the business investment environment, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises, accelerating administrative reform, and encouraging innovation, digital transformation, and green economic development.

VCCI steps up support for the business community

To translate development orientations for entrepreneurs and enterprises into practice, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has been focusing on conveying business recommendations, contributing to policy development, supporting capacity building for business leaders, and expanding international connections.

Following the issuance of Resolution 41, VCCI collaborated with the Central Commission for Information and Education and the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy to hold a policy dissemination conference on May 10, 2024. The conference connected more than 4,000 locations nationwide, with over 207,000 delegates attending.

At the policy level, VCCI continues to consolidate practical business issues and report them to the Government. In July 2026, VCCI compiled nearly 900 opinions from business associations and enterprises, grouped into 53 categories of bottlenecks across 10 fields, for submission to the Government.

Regarding capacity building, in July 2026, VCCI launched the "Vietnam CEOs the New Era" Program for 2026-2030. Targeting leaders of conglomerates, small and medium-sized enterprises, family businesses, and the innovative startup community, the program focuses on innovation, digital transformation, and green transition.

On August 19, 2026, VCCI launched the National Innovative Startup Council to connect young entrepreneurs, foster the innovation ecosystem, and contribute to policy consultation.

At the same time, VCCI is also pursuing internal reforms. Speaking at the 13th Meeting of the 7th VCCI Executive Board, VCCI President Ho Sy Hung said the 8th Congress should usher in a period of comprehensive reform in its orientation, organization, and operating methods to better meet the needs of the business community.

Connecting activities are also expanding through international economic forums. For APEC 2027, VCCI is tasked with presiding over and co-organizing three major events in Vietnam: the ABAC IV Meeting, the APEC Economic Leaders' Dialogue with ABAC, and the APEC CEO Summit 2027. These forums provide opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to connect with international partners and discuss business, trade, and investment issues.

For enterprises, the challenge lies not only in maintaining operations and strengthening resilience, but more importantly in improving scale, productivity, and competitiveness. Achieving this requires policy support, market connectivity, and stronger executive capacity - core priorities for VCCI in reforming its operations and implementing business support programs.