Japan funded project creates Vietnamese consultants pool for SME development

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has successfully implemented and closed a three-year project designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam, citing “remarkable achievements.”

The “SME Promotion and Industrial Development Project,” implemented between 2020 and 2023, specifically aimed to support and strengthen the capacity of Vietnamese consultants in developing SMEs and have those involved in supporting industries join the global value chain.

It was implemented in collaboration with the Agency for Enterprises Development under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Some of the project’s achievements were highlighted at the project’s closing ceremony held Tuesday in Hanoi.

More than 1,100 people participated in training programs for consultants that dealt with the topics of new businesses and startups as well as the “Pre Shindanshi – SMEs Management Consultants System.” The training program was implemented with the backing of SME Support Japan (SMRJ).

The project also carried out on-the-job training (OJT) for 35 SMEs selected from among 250 manufacturing companies in Vietnam. Besides, more than 300 executives from SMEs participated in the Creative leaders (INNOLEAD) training designed to impart necessary skills in organization management and encourage innovation.

A panel discussion held as part of the closing ceremony focused on further measures to support SMEs in strengthening their internal capabilities towards sustainable development.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong said he expected that the project’s outcomes will form a foundation for consultants to further support and assist SME growth and enhance their inner strengths towards innovation and better business opportunities.

Deputy ambassador of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, Watanabe Shige, lauded the project’s achievements. He said that with Vietnam becoming an attractive destination for foreign investors, especially from Japan, consultants who’ve received Japanese-style consultant training will play an active role in strengthening the partnership between Vietnamese and Japanese companies in the future.

JICA said it will actively work with the Vietnamese government and line agencies to further enhance the cooperation in strengthening SMEs capabilities and their sustainable development.