Vietnamese Business Confidence Drops in Continued Global Business Volatility

Business confidence in some of the world’s leading growth economies has dropped significantly over the last six months. Despite the fall, levels of business confidence in rapidly growing economies still remains well ahead of levels in mature economies – yet this setback should act as a warning flag for businesses across the world to stay nimble and expect further volatility before a general global upturn, finds the latest BCI based on the views of more than 24,000 senior business people from 92 countries.

Confidence among small businesses in particular has flatlined in both mature and developing economies, and given the important role of small and medium-sized enterprises as an engine of growth and provider of jobs, this finding is of particular concern. Access to affordable credit and cash-flow management were among their biggest concerns, highlighting the need for flexible, pay-as-you go business services allowing businesses to remain flexible and agile.

 

According to the BCI, global confidence levels have shown little change compared to six months ago; down 2 percentage points to 111 since April 2012. The proportion of Vietnamese companies reporting revenue increases rose marginally from 31 percent in April 2012 to 45 percent, while profits fell very slightly from 39 percent to 38 percent. Just over half (52 percent) of Vietnamese respondents reported that they were satisfied with their government’s support strategies for business.

The following issues are major challenges to small businesses and start-ups: sales (46 percent), cost of marketing and promotion (37 percent), cash-flow (37 percent), administrative tasks (29 percent).

 

Respondents also highlighted key measures for government to introduce that would substantially help small businesses and start-ups. These are: tax exemptions (76 percent), information services (54 percent), low interest loans (54 percent).

 

“It’s clear that there’s been a stagnation in business confidence, accompanied by significant falls in some rapidly developing economies since our last BCI report in April,” said Regus’ CEO for Asia, Filippo Sarti. “This suggests that slowing trade with Europe and Western economies, combined with a host of national factors, is taking its toll. If there is some good news it’s that, globally, the proportion of companies reporting revenue growth is stable while profits increased slightly.”

 

“We were particularly struck by the lack of any improvement amongst entrepreneurs and small businesses. In order to improve their cash situation, respondents identified affordable and flexible business services – especially for overheads such as workspace, administrative support and sales/marketing. 45 percent of respondents, for instance, reported that one of the major burdens during the downturn has been inflexible property leases. Flexible services allow businesses to be more agile and free-up cash for investment without relying on credit at a time when it is so difficult to secure,” added Sarti.