Strengthening support measures for businesses

In the early months of the year, Dong Nai’s economy, along with the national economy, has shown positive momentum. However, some enterprises continue to face challenges related to market uncertainties amid tensions in several regions around the world.

Workers inspect products at the factory of Huynh Duc Production, Trading and Service Co., Ltd. in Amata Industrial Park. Photo: Vuong The

To boost production and achieve double-digit growth targets in 2026 and beyond, both short- and long-term solutions are being rolled out to support the business community.

Enterprises in need of stronger support

Amid global uncertainties, logistics operations have come under increasing strain. According to Dao Trong Khoa, Chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), import-export and logistics companies are among those most directly affected and are actively seeking ways to adapt. He recommended that exporters and importers work closely with logistics providers to identify optimal transport routes and methods. At the same time, businesses should proactively develop contingency plans, closely monitor market developments, and adopt flexible financial management strategies, especially as transport costs may surge unexpectedly.

A representative of a mechanical engineering enterprise in Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park also noted that prices of production inputs have fluctuated significantly in recent times. One of the major concerns is increasingly unstable order flows. Both suppliers and manufacturers are facing their own challenges, while partners may abruptly suspend contracts, leaving enterprises vulnerable without clear contingency clauses.

Dang Van Diem, Chairman of the Dong Nai Business Federation, observed that enterprises are currently facing numerous challenges in production and business operations. Nevertheless, positive signals remain. Many businesses have taken the initiative to restructure operations, streamline their organizations, enhance governance, invest in technology, and explore new markets. Some have also moved up the global supply chain, building their own brands and increasing product value rather than relying solely on processing activities.

To better support the business community, Diem stressed the need for more substantive, stable, and predictable administrative reforms that enable enterprises to plan with greater confidence.

He also called for mechanisms to help small and medium-sized enterprises access capital, technology, and digital and green transformation programs more effectively. In addition, stronger efforts should be made to connect supply and demand, promote trade, and expand domestic markets while making full use of free trade agreements to diversify export destinations.

In Dong Nai, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Ut has directed departments, sectors, and localities to focus on resolving difficulties faced by businesses. This undertaking includes developing flexible response scenarios to support enterprises while ensuring energy security and a stable supply of fuel and electricity for production, business, and daily life.

Accelerating the implementation of support measures

Currently, one of the key concerns for production and business enterprises is the rising cost of fuel, raw materials, and freight. At the national level, the Government has introduced several timely measures to ease pressure on domestic fuel supply, including reducing preferential import tariffs on various petroleum products to 0%. This move allows fuel distributors greater flexibility in sourcing supplies from different markets. In addition, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on oil-producing and exporting countries to support Vietnam in securing crude oil and gas supplies.

On the evening of March 21, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Government’s Standing Committee to review responses to the energy crisis triggered by the impacts of conflicts in the Middle East. He stressed that there must be no shortages of energy in general and fuel in particular, emphasizing that energy management must be aligned with broader socio-economic development goals, while ensuring political stability, social order, and effective risk management. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been tasked with closely monitoring market developments, forecasting trends, and proactively assessing global supply and price movements to formulate appropriate response scenarios in line with its authority and legal framework.

Workers operate machinery at an enterprise in the province. Photo: Vuong The

According to Vu Ngoc Long, Director of the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade, authorities have strengthened measures to manage petroleum trading activities, while enhancing inspection and supervision to promptly detect and strictly handle smuggling, trade fraud, speculation, hoarding, and other violations.

In taxation, the Dong Nai Tax Department (DoT) has also recently held a dialogue with businesses. Director Nguyen Toan Thang of the DoT said the tax sector will continue to accompany and support businesses in maintaining and expanding production and business activities. Dong Nai is disseminating and supporting tax policies and tax administration for household businesses and individual business operators. The tax sector hopes to receive more information from businesses so it can promptly support and resolve related difficulties and obstacles.

Similarly, the Department of Science and Technology has also notified small and medium-sized enterprises across the province to register for the 2026 digital transformation support program. Under the program, eligible businesses, depending on the level of support, may receive up to VND100 million per year to cover the cost of renting or purchasing digital transformation solutions to automate and improve efficiency in governance, production, and business operations. According to Nguyen Minh Quang, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, Dong Nai is implementing a range of solutions to help businesses step up the application of digital technology, improve governance capacity, innovate business models, and enhance competitiveness in the current context of digital transformation.

By V.The – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho