This workshop is part of the project "Development of clusters of small and medium enterprises" by the Business Development Department, Ministry of Planning and Investment in collaboration with UNIDO implemented since 2009 with the support of the Republic Italy, the total budget of 3 million euros.

This project aims to support the Government of Vietnam to implement policies and measures to help Vietnam small and medium enterprises enhance competitiveness, further participate in the global value chain and maximizing positive impact of WTO accession.

According to UNIDO, cluster is a group of enterprises concentrates geographically and form a network of enterprises by industry. The highlight of the project is the target to promote partnerships in international business.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Hieu, Deputy Director of Department of Business Development said the project will be implemented in connection with the Italian clusters with the purpose of promoting the transfer of experience while implementing technical assistance programs with the target is to overcome the weaknesses of small and medium enterprises of Vietnam on the capability to design and marketing, process and product innovation, production technology, quality control, management skills and expertise, financial access.

After the first phase of determination and selection of promising industries and local support, the project is planning for the development plans with the extensive contribution of related parts. First operations were carried out in some pilot groups of three industries such as textile, shoes -leather and wood processing. (Translated by Hong Chau - Baocongthuong.com)