Total of businesses operating in Vietnam surges by over 50%: economic census

Nearly 517,900 businesses were operating in Vietnam in 2017, rising 51.6% from the figure recorded in 2012, according to the general economic census announced by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO) on September 19.

Despite the strong growth in the number of enterprises, there were only just over 10,000 large companies, accounting for a mere 1.9% especially in comparison with the dominating 98.1% of small- and medium-sized firms.

The southeastern region was home to nearly 216,000 businesses, accounting for 41.7% of all companies operating in the country.

total of businesses operating in vietnam surges by over 50%: economic census hinh 0
The GSO announces the general economic census 2017 

The GSO said that the results of business operations and production in 2016 was better than in 2011, with net revenue recorded at VND17,858 trillion (US$767.89 billion), 71% higher than that five years earlier.

Net revenue during 2011-2016 surged 11.4% or VND1,400 trillion (US$60.2 billion). The non-State business sector had the largest earnings, making up of 55.9% of the total net revenue recorded in the business sector.

Head of the GSO’s Industry Statistics Department Pham Dinh Thuy said that the strongest growth in net revenue was seen in FDI enterprises, which expanded 134.5 percent in 2016 as compared to 2011.

Meanwhile, State-owned firms only contributed 16.7% to the net revenue.

Return on assets (ROA) of the companies were calculated at 2.7% in 2016, with the highest rate recorded in the FDI sector (6.9%), followed by State-owned firms (2.6%) and non-State firms (1.4%).

The industrial and construction sectors reported substantial ROA with 4.8%, while the profitability ratio in the agro-fishery-forestry and service sectors were 2% and 1.6%.

GSO General Director Nguyen Bich Lam urged the Government, ministries, sectors and localities to complete institution-building, accelerate the reform of administrative procedures, and produce rational measures to remove bottlenecks for enterprises and household businesses.

As economic development in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution very much depends much on the quality of human resources, Lam said: “It is necessary for the Government to renew training methods to meet Industry 4.0 requirements”. 

VNA

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.