Breaking down the export barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises: Focus group study across Vietnam

Abstract

This paper attempts to empirically analyse the motivations and barriers among Vietnamese businesses in undertaking export activities. The study applies thematic analysis method and categorisations developed from extant literature to examine six focus groups among SMEs, chosen from the three regions in Vietnam. The findings suggest that Vietnamese SMEs experience significant difficulties in coping with tariff and non-tariff barriers, accessing information about overseas markets and difficulty in recruiting and maintaining skilled workforces necessary for penetrating international markets. The research findings help in understanding some of the key drivers of SME export activities in Vietnam and will assist policymakers to develop the current SME ecosystem. Additionally, the results offer new evidence on firm-level perceptions about export challenges for Vietnamese SMEs. The findings are in line with the recent economic reforms launched in Vietnam, along with the increased FDI inflows into the country in the last 25 years.