Vietnamese small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expect the economy to remain stable or grow this year, with many planning to maintain or increase expenditure and recruitment, according to a survey by HSBC.

The semi-annual HSBC Asia-Pacific Small Business Confidence Monitor said on January 15 that SMEs are optimistic about the national economy in the first half of this year.

Around 300 Vietnamese SMEs, defined as companies with an annual turnover of less than US$10 million, participated in the survey of 3,000 companies in Asia in October and November 2008.

SMEs in Bangladesh, Vietnam and India were the most optimistic, while those in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong were the most pessimistic.

“There is no doubt that 2009 will be a difficult year for many businesses. Vietnam and Asia as a whole have withstood many difficulties in the last decade, and SMEs are entrepreneurial and resilient,” HSBC’s global co-head of commercial banking, Margaret Leung, said.

“Their determination to succeed and their commitment to their employees and customers continue to drive them now.”

The survey was conducted by research company TNS in 10 countries and territories, including mainland China, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia. The previous survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The survey asked SME decision makers about their local economic outlook for the next six months, their plans to increase or decrease capital investment and staffing levels, and their expectations for trade volumes with mainland China, Asia and the rest of the world. (TN)