The Viet Nam SME data 2005-15

Since the initiation of the Doi Moi reforms in 1986, it is widely believed that Vietnam’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have critical characteristics that contribute to the country’s impressive economic and social development over recent decades. Specifically, SMEs represent a source of economic growth, savings, job creation, and increased competition. Despite their vast potential, general knowledge on their characteristics as well as the opportunities and constraints they were facing was lacking, thus making it difficult for evidence-based government policy recommendations to be formulated. This chapter sheds light on the Vietnam SME database covering surveys over 2005–15, and represents the basis for the analytical work in books chapters. The authors outline the purpose behind the data collection—including sample design, firm and owner characteristics, attrition—comparing the data with the characteristics of Vietnam’s overall enterprise population.