Strengthening the organization, building stronger linkages

Executive Committee of the Provincial SME Association discussing preparations for the Sixth Congress of Thai Nguyen Provincial Association of Small and Medium Enterprises for the 2026-2031 term

The 2021-2026 term unfolded under exceptional circumstances, with the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, global economic volatility, inflation, rising raw-material prices, contracting markets and disrupted supply chains. These factors placed considerable pressure on the business community, especially SMEs. Against that backdrop, the Provincial SME Association was expected not merely to bring businesses together, but to become a genuine source of support, a partner and a representative voice for businesses.

Immediately after the Fifth Congress, the Association consolidated its organization and assigned specific responsibilities to each member of the Executive Committee; formulated and issued operating regulations and financial management regulations; and upheld the principles of collective leadership, individual accountability, openness, democracy and transparency. To date, the Association's organizational structure has been consolidated with one Chairwoman, eight Vice Chairpersons, 26 members of the Standing Committee, 66 members of the Executive Committee and seven specialized committees.

Membership development has been identified as an ongoing task. From 150 members at the time of the Fifth Congress, the Association now has more than 300 members, together with a network of 700 members in chapters, member associations and affiliated organizations. This represents not only numerical growth but also the Association's growing appeal and increasingly prominent role in the business community.

According to Mr. Truong Ngoc Binh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial SME Association and Director of Quang Anh Investment, Trading, Services and Construction Company Limited, the greatest hallmark of the term lies not only in the activities implemented but also in the increasingly close ties between the Association and the business community. By bringing members together, the Association gradually built a community whose members share resources, support one another and jointly seek development opportunities. More and more businesses have placed their trust in the Association, proactively sought membership and regarded it as a platform for connection and cooperation.

Connecting to overcome challenges, working together for development

Thai Nguyen Provincial Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and Vietcombank - Thai Nguyen Branch signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation

During the 2021-2026 term, the Association acted as a representative of its members and protected their lawful rights and interests; regularly kept abreast of businesses' production and business conditions, concerns and aspirations; and promptly compiled and reported them to the Provincial People's Committee and relevant departments and sectors. From issues relating to administrative procedures, land, investment, production and business to access to policies, the Association became a two-way information channel, bringing the voice of businesses closer to state management agencies.

Members of the Provincial SME Association learning about and studying legal policies related to production and business activities

The Association actively participated in policy formulation and review; contributed opinions on mechanisms and policies directly related to production and business activities; participated in administrative procedure reform; and coordinated with the Provincial Public Administration Service Center, departments, sectors and localities to address emerging difficulties and obstacles. The Association also placed emphasis on legal advice and support through conferences, seminars, dialogues and legal communication and dissemination activities, helping businesses stay abreast of new regulations, reduce risks and take a more proactive approach to production and business.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of Tan Phu Automobile Transport Cooperative, said the Association is an important bridge helping businesses access the State's guidelines and policies. When businesses encounter difficulties or obstacles related to mechanisms and policies, they have a representative organization that can consolidate their opinions and convey them to the competent authorities.

Production line of Hoang Thai Joint Stock Company

Against the backdrop of digital transformation and deepening integration, the Association supported businesses in accessing technology and promoting products on digital platforms, e-commerce marketplaces and social media; and connected OCOP products, farm produce and local specialties with distribution systems. Information on markets and free trade agreements such as EVFTA and RCEP was also provided, helping businesses expand their markets and improve competitiveness. In particular, dialogue programs such as “Morning Tea with Entrepreneurs” created an open space for direct exchanges between businesses and the authorities, through which many recommendations were heard and addressed at the grassroots level.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh, Director of Thien Phuc Agricultural and Medicinal Herb Cooperative, shared that the Association co-organized numerous workshops and invited experts to provide training, capacity-building sessions and in-depth digital transformation support for member businesses. As a result, businesses gained more opportunities to access new knowledge, technologies and management methods.

Beyond working alongside and supporting its members, the 2021-2026 term was also marked by the achievement of the goals and targets set by the Resolution of the Fifth Congress. All member businesses were informed about the Party's orientations and guidelines, the State's policies and laws and the province's socio-economic development orientations. Each year, the Association organized or co-organized two conferences or business advisory and support programs; one study tour to learn from domestic business associations; and maintained two to five dialogues with businesses. Notably, 100% of members received support in accessing and adopting digital transformation solutions, while 50% participated in e-commerce platforms, meeting the set target.

Provincial SME Association offering incense in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Memorial House in ATK Dinh Hoa. (In the photo: Chairwoman of the Provincial SME Association writing in the guestbook at the Memorial House)

Mr. Ha Van Tho, Vice Chairman of the Provincial SME Association and Director of P/A JSC and leaders of Tich Luong Ward Business Association presenting a symbolic solar power system to Coc Muoi School Site, Nghien Loan Commune

Alongside production and business development, Thai Nguyen's SME community has increasingly demonstrated its social responsibility. Member businesses actively participated in social security activities, built gratitude houses and Great Unity houses; supported the elimination of temporary and dilapidated houses; visited and presented gifts to poor households and policy beneficiary families; and supported people affected by natural disasters and epidemics. Many businesses also partnered with central-level enterprises to provide clothing and school supplies to students in upland areas and support particularly disadvantaged communes, with a total value of billions of VND each year.

Mr. Ha Van Tho, Vice Chairman of the Provincial SME Association and Director of P/A JSC, said sustainable business development requires not only production and business efficiency but also a strong sense of responsibility toward the community. Therefore, in addition to creating jobs and increasing workers' incomes, businesses consistently participate in social security activities, join efforts to support people in difficult circumstances and contribute to local poverty reduction and social security. This is also a way for businesses to spread positive values, build their reputation and achieve long-term development.

Products of Tan Lap Elevator and Mechanical Company Limited on display at a trade fair and exhibition

The efforts of Thai Nguyen's SME community during the past term were recognized with many prestigious awards. The Association was awarded the Third-Class Labor Order by the President and a Certificate of Commendation by the Prime Minister; many members received Labor Orders, Emulation Flags, Certificates of Commendation from the Prime Minister, Vietnam Gold Star Awards, Golden Rose Cups and titles honoring outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs.

Behind each award are the efforts of businesses to advance, the dynamism and enterprising spirit of entrepreneurs and the perseverance of workers. These achievements provide a foundation for the Association to continue harnessing its internal strengths and effectively pursue its goals in the new term.

Creating green growth - Digital connectivity - Reaching new heights

As the Association enters a new term, new development requirements have emerged. Guided by the motto “Creating green growth - Digital connectivity”, Thai Nguyen Provincial Association of Small and Medium Enterprises aims to build a green, digital and innovative business ecosystem; proactively connect domestic and international resources; and help Thai Nguyen businesses pursue sustainable development and deeper integration. This spirit is distilled into four core values: “Self-reliance - Solidarity - Action - Innovation”.

Production activities at the factory of Quang Anh Investment, Trading, Services and Construction Company Limited

On that foundation, the Association set the following targets: 100% of member businesses will be informed about guidelines, policies and laws; the number of new members will increase by 10-20% compared with the previous term; each year, the Association will organize or co-organize one to two conferences or business advisory and support programs and coordinate and advise on organizing two to five dialogues with businesses. It will strive to ensure that 100% of members receive digital transformation support, 50% participate in e-commerce platforms and more than 80% of member businesses participate in social security activities.

The goal is not merely to make the Association larger in terms of membership, but stronger in substance, more practical in supporting businesses and more effective in its connecting role.

Ms. Hoang Thi My Huyen, Chairwoman of the Provincial SME Association and Director of An Thinh Phuc Thai Nguyen Land Group Joint Stock Company, said: “Creating green growth - Digital connectivity” is not merely a message for us; it must become the way businesses change and develop. The Association will encourage businesses to gradually adopt a green mindset, improve governance efficiency, apply technology and leverage digital platforms to expand markets and enhance competitiveness. The SME community needs to become more proactive, embrace innovation, invest boldly in technology and sustainable development and strengthen linkages so that no business has to develop alone. As each business grows stronger, the entire business community will create greater strength for Thai Nguyen's development.

Provincial SME Association and VietinBank - Luu Xa Branch signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation

The 2021-2026 term concluded with important achievements, affirming the role of Thai Nguyen Provincial Association of Small and Medium Enterprises as a bridge, partner and representative for the business community. These achievements provide a foundation for the Association to continue innovating, improve the quality of its operations and support businesses in adapting, pursuing digital transformation, innovating and developing sustainably.

By joining forces and acting in solidarity, Thai Nguyen's SME community will continue to achieve new milestones in the journey to build a dynamic, green, digital and sustainable Thai Nguyen that continues to reach new heights alongside the nation.