A production line of CNC Viet Nam in Hà Nội’s Từ Liêm District. The Government aims to intensify assistance for SMEs, especially for those in the support industry. — VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

HÀ NỘI — Japanese and Vietnamese experts discussed support policies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at a seminar hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment on Thursday in the capital.

Despite their role in Việt Nam’s socio-economic development, SMEs still encounter many difficulties including capital shortage, insufficient financial capacities and technological weakness, experts said.

The firms are also coping with harsher competition from foreign rivals as the country integrates deeply into the global economy, they said.

Experts suggested that the Government and relevant ministries and sectors should intensify assistance for SMEs, especially for those operating in the support industry.

According to Japanese experts, if SMEs developed sustainably, they would support the development of large-scale enterprises thanks to their sufficient supply of components and parts.

They added they SMEs could also be a key provider of jobs.

In his speech at the event, Hiroshi Arai from the Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises Agency under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry spoke highly of SMEs’ key role in Japan’s economy.

Japan has paid special attention to building policies and mechanisms to support SMEs, and achieved remarkable results, he said. When any Japanese citizens decide to start businesses, they will receive consultations related to administrative procedures, legal regulations, production organisation and technology application, and financial planning, he added.

Japanese SMEs have also been assisted in training and on updated market information, he noted.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Đặng Huy Đông emphasised the importance of studying Japan’s experience, towards providing more effective assistance to its enterprises and promoting co-operation between the two countries.

Việt Nam and Japan have reached an agreement on a series of actions to tackle issues related to SME support. From now to the end of the year, the two sides will continue to co-operate on conducting surveys around activities such as financing to expand investment, technology transfer and personnel training.

Japan will also assist policymakers in drafting the law on SMEs and collaborate with Việt Nam to organise conferences on policies to support SMEs. — VNS