Enhancing the competitiveness of women-owned SMEs in Vietnam: Challenges and Opportunities Long Hau Le (a*), Bich Tuyen Duong (b), Thi Thanh Tam Nguyen (b), Viet Thanh Truc Tran (a)
(a) School of Economics, Can Tho University, Campus II, 3/2 Street, Can Tho City, 900000, Vietnam
*llhau[at]ctu.edu.vn
(b) School of Economics, Nam Can Tho University, 168 Nguyen Van Cu street, Can Tho City, 900000, Vietnam
Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in Vietnam^s economy, constituting over 98% of all enterprises. Notably, approximately 20% of these SMEs are owned by women. Despite the strides made in achieving gender equality within Vietnamese society and the government^s implementation of targeted support policies, female-led SMEs encounter distinct challenges due to their unique business characteristics, especially after the Covid19 pandemic. The objective of the study is to analyze the competitiveness of female-owned SMEs in the economic environment of Vietnam - where digital transformation is taking place strongly. At the same time, the ability to access finance of enterprises is also considered through survey data in the Mekong Delta region. Moreover, the study proposes several solutions to improve the competitiveness of female-owned enterprises in Vietnam, typically applying science and technology, strengthening local linkages, and improving business management capacity.
Keywords: WSME, competitiveness, business transformation
Topic: Entrepreneurship and small medium entreprises
