Southeast Asian SMEs face cashflow problems: report
Cash flow shortage is a common challenge faced by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast Asia, with 58% of those from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia reporting their existing cash flow sufficient to sustain their operations for six months, according to a YouBiz report.
Up to 56% of surveyed businesses said that they often use foreign currencies for transactions, of which more than 90% of transactions are valued at 50,000 SGD (37,760 USD) or more. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hong Kong (VNA) –Cash flow shortage is a common challenge faced by small- and medium-sizedenterprises (SMEs) in Southeast Asia, with 58% of those from Singapore,Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia reporting their existing cash flow sufficient to sustain their operations for six months, according to a YouBiz report.
The document on business expensesestimate for 2023 coming out on January 18 underlined that the firstimportant task of SMEs was to reduce operating costs.
It was made based on an analysisof more than 60,000 commercial transactions from 4,500 businesses.
More than 60% of the SMEs have applieddigital tools to optimise business operations and reduce costs. Tools that were used bySMEs for over six months include customer service software (42%), email marketingsoftw𒉰are (39%), project collaboration tools (35% ), e-commerce software(39%) and marketing automation (32%).
Along with the reopening ofborders and easing of regulations related to tourism, enterprises want toresume tourism activities to participate in face-to-face conferences, enhancebusiness partnerships with new partners as well as explore potential markets. More than 70% of the SMEs saidthat global payment is a key factor to ensure business continuity during theCOVID-19 pandemic. These businesses also intend to continue to use the global payment method or use it more often, increase cross-border customers and cooperatewith more partners. Up to 56% of surveyed businessessaid that they often use foreign currencies for transactions, of which morethan 90% of transactions are valued at 50,000 SGD (37,760 USD) or more./.
The Law on Support for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) took effect on January 1, 2018, but its programmes have not provided adequate coverage to make any big difference.
Heads of ASEAN member economies have agreed to create a mechanism to promote competition, create an environment conductive for regional SMEs to enter ASEAN amid economic recovery from COVID-19 crisis.
The North-South Expressway project is scheduled for completion by 2030, aiming to establish the groundwork for Vietnam’s modern railway industry and stimulate regional economic development, positioning the country for a significant economic leap in the era of national rise.
The probe, initiated on June 11 following a petition by the US Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, targets products classified under HS Code 4412 and 9403 imported from China, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways was born as a perfect piece in Sun Group’s strategic vision to build a premium ecosystem of tourism, entertainment, real estate, and aviation. With a pioneering ambition, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is not just an airline, but a symbol of connection – bringing the world to Phu Quoc and taking Phu Quoc to the world.
A key change in the draft decree is a provision requiring bank transfers for gold transactions valued at 20 million VND (765 USD) and above, to enhance transparency and verify customer identities.
In the first four months of 2025, trade turnover between Vietnam and Cambodia surpassed 3 billion USD, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
On June 19 alone, a total of 2,005 trucks completed customs clearance at Lang Son’s border gates — the highest single-day figure ever recorded in the province. Of these, 634 carried exports and 1,371 imports.
The OECD Economic Surveys: Vietnam 2025 report focuses on analysing the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals, the impact of international integration on attracting foreign investment and trade, and the country’s prospects for developing a low-carbon economy.
Antoine Colin, Senior Vice President for Global Supply Chain Digital Transformation & Resilience at HP Inc., affirmed HP’s strategic commitment to building a supply chain and ecosystem in Vietnam and the region.
Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)’s Trade Promotion Agency Bui Quang Hung emphasised that logistics has evolved from a technical function into a core capability for Vietnamese exporters to maintain their competitive advantage in the US market.
A trade official has suggested companies work closely with shipping lines, airlines, and freight forwarders to monitor routes, transit times, and potential surcharges while exploring broader cargo insurance to cover risks like war and terrorism.
In addition to institutional reform, the agency is also rolling out key solution groups to combat counterfeit goods, imitations, and intellectual property infringements in the digital environment.
The event, co-organised by the Vietnam Trade Office in the UK and TT Meridian, a local importer of Vietnamese fresh produce, aims to build a national lychee brand and encourage broader recognition of Vietnamese fruits in a competitive, high-end market.
The industry's performance has been powered by bold investments in modern production lines, enabling Vietnamese firms to produce complicated products which were exclusive to advanced economies.
Outcomes of ABAC III will shape ABAC’s final policy recommendations to be submitted to the ABAC-APEC leaders’ dialogue, scheduled to take place in the Republic of Korea this November.
This is the second year the magazine has released the ranking, which is based on total revenue and key financial indicators of enterprises from seven countries in the region: Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Cambodia.
At the summit, publishing, tech, and media sectors will discuss emerging trends, business models, and sustainable solutions for digital publishing development in Vietnam.
This year’s “Vietnam Goods Week” marks a significant milestone as it is being held simultaneously for the first time in four locations across Asia: Japan, Hong Kong (China), Cambodia, and Malaysia, from June 19 - 22.
Up to 56% of surveyed businesses said that they often use foreign currencies for transactions, of which more than 90% of transactions are valued at 50,000 SGD (37,760 USD) or more. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
