Consultant networks are where SMEs can seek free support and information to boost their business in Viet Nam. — Photo luatvietnam

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) issued requirements for individuals and organisations who wish to join the network of consultants for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

According to Decision No 842 /QD-BCT, the MoIT's network of consultants will support SMEs in 15 food-related sectors, including alcohol, tobacco, gas, product distribution in foreign countries, power sources and others.

For local individual consultants, they must have full capacity for civil acts, good moral qualities, and not be under investigation for penal liability or have faced any administrative fines in the field of consultancy practice.

They must have either a practicing certificate in accordance with specialised laws, or have at least 5 years’ experience in the field of manufacturing, or a university degree, or working experience of at least 3 years in other fields that meet SMEs’ demand.

In addition, those individuals have at least one year of managing experience in SMEs or projects that support business development.

If the individual is a foreign worker working in Viet Nam, he or she must meet the provisions of Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5, and Article 3 in the Decree No 11/2016 / ND-CP of February 3, in which the Government details the requirement for foreigners working in Viet Nam.

For the consulting organisations, they have to meet all the criteria of the organisations according to the provisions of law, legal offices, and at least two individuals who meet the mentioned requirements.

The organisation must be carrying out at least 10 consulting contracts for businesses. In addition to the above general criteria, the MoIT also specifies that consultants in the field of food safety must have appropriate qualifications and certificates in the industry.

Regarding the sector of product distribution in foreign countries, the consultants have to understand the law on international trade and business; customs and regulations of host countries on consultancy products, especially in markets where there are specific requirements and regulations on packaging, labelling, or markets of Islamic countries that provide halal certification, said the MoIT.

There are about more than 500,000 SMEs in Viet Nam. The ministry said SMEs played an important role in the local economy, accounting for 98 per cent of all legal entities in the country and contribute 40 per cent of GDP.

In order to support their growth, Circular 6/2019 was issued last year to encourage the establishment of consultant networks where SMEs seek free support and information to boost their business. Such networks to help the SMEs also boost the Government's goal of one million firms this year.

According to the MoIT, those who meet the requirements can register for the consultancy networks at MoIT headquarters at 25 Ngo Quyen in the capital city; or online at the website www.arit.gov.vn. — VNS