Resources from nearly 207,000 household businesses

Professional household businesses

Do Thi Thuy’s grocery store in Le Thanh Nghi Ward opened in early 2024. After more than two years, its customer base has gradually stabilized, and its product range has been adjusted to meet demand, providing a regular source of income for her family.

An increasing number of customers are paying by bank transfer. Stock purchases and price monitoring also require more careful calculation as consumers have more choices. Thuy said that even a small grocery store must adapt its business practices to meet customer needs.

According to preliminary results from the 2026 Economic Census, Hai Phong has 206,815 individual production and business establishments, ranking seventh among the country’s 34 provinces and cities in terms of the number of establishments. Behind its shops, production workshops and service providers lies a substantial economic resource with a widespread presence.

Alongside the business community, business households remain an important force in the city’s economic life. From retail and food services to repair work, transportation, construction materials and various other services, individual establishments closely follow market demand. Each may have limited capital and a small workforce, but together, hundreds of thousands of establishments form a network supplying goods, services and livelihoods.

From stores serving everyday needs to businesses handling high-value transactions, Hai Phong’s individual business sector varies in terms of capital, markets and development potential. Some households primarily provide livelihoods for their families, while others have built up customer bases, employ workers and are looking to expand.

Further growth potential also comes from the expanding market. In the first eight months of 2026, Hai Phong’s total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue exceeded VND 283.101 trillion, up 15.92% year on year. Market expansion creates new opportunities while requiring businesses to strengthen their competitiveness in terms of prices, quality and sales methods.

Unlocking further growth potential

With nearly 207,000 establishments, the potential lies not only in the number of households that could become companies. Better management, lower costs, wider markets and more efficient use of capital at any one establishment can all generate additional value. Multiplied across hundreds of thousands of establishments, these gains can provide further resources for the city’s economy.

The results of the 2026 Economic Census provide a basis for gaining a clearer picture of these resources. Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Le Trung Kien called for the data to be used to analyze the economic structure, assess potential and advantages, and identify new growth drivers.

For the individual business sector, the city has directed intensification of guidance on tax policies and e-invoices, and consider shifting from “penalties” to “guidance and early warnings” in cases of technical errors.

Departments, sectors and local authorities are to continue supporting household businesses in converting into companies. The State Bank of Vietnam’s Regional Branch 6 has been assigned to direct credit institutions to consider expanding credit packages suited to production and business needs.

These directives aim to address obstacles related to procedures, capital and management, creating conditions for businesses with the potential to move to a larger scale and thereby unlocking additional resources for the city’s growth.

Nearly 207,000 individual production and business establishments represent a resource that can continue to grow. With a more favorable business environment, better access to capital, more effective management methods and support for establishments with the potential to expand, this sector will generate additional value and make a more substantial contribution to Hai Phong’s growth.

HA KIEN