Daniel Fitzpatrick, the LinkSME Project Manager (Photo: VNA)

On the project’s 5th anniversary on Sunday, Daniel Fitzpatrick, the LinkSME Project Manager, said that the project funded by the USAID since 2018, aims to improve the economic environment and create opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises.

He said that under the LinkSME project, SMEs have been helped to connect with other enterprises in the chain, accelerate their digital transformation and access financial resources. The project has worked with the Government Office and ministries and sectors to improve the business environment and create more effective channels to provide services to SMEs.

Despite difficulties due to the pandemic, Fitzpatrick, said, the LinkSME project has been effective over the past five years. Digital tools have been used to organize events and trainings drawing large numbers of participants.

Under the project. Vietnamese SMEs have obtained loans of nearly 20 million USD to pay off other loans, modernize their facilities, and optimize their operation.

LinkSME has worked with business associations, business support centers, and SME promoters and through their networks to maintain support activities in a sustainable way. The project has contributed to fine-tuning legislation and enhancing interaction between the government and businesses.

The LinkSME project has contributed to the Indo-Pacific region's vision of enhancing economic competitiveness and realizing USAID Vietnam's goal of expanding inclusive growth and market orientation.