Vietnamese small businesses lead Asia-Pacific growth in 2025-2026 driven by technology

Small businesses in Vietnam delivered strong performance in 2025, according to the Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey 2025-2026 released by CPA Australia.

Technology becomes the main growth driver

More than 84% of Vietnamese SMEs surveyed reported positive growth in the past year, up from 82% in 2024. The share was the highest among the 11 Asia-Pacific markets included in the survey: Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

CPA Australia expects this momentum to continue into 2026. The survey found that 89% of Vietnamese SMEs expect to expand their operations this year, supported by stronger technology adoption, e-commerce and improved governance capabilities.

Vietnam also recorded the highest optimism regarding national economic prospects. In 2026, 85% of small businesses expect domestic economic growth, compared with a regional average of 65%.

Technology adoption is closely linked to profitability gains. In 2025, 76% of Vietnamese SMEs reported that profits improved due to technology investments, the highest rate in the Asia-Pacific region.

Online and digital channels are also expanding. In 2025, 83% of Vietnamese SMEs generated more than 10% of revenue from online sales, the highest in the region. Digital payments are widely used as well: 86% of SMEs reported that more than 10% of revenue came from digital platforms, the second-highest in the region.

Confidence and international expansion

CPA Australia said the survey results point to technology adoption as a key factor supporting small-business confidence in Vietnam’s economy. Priya Terumalay, CPA Australia’s Southeast Asia Regional Director, said Vietnamese SMEs remain among the leading or near-leading groups in Asia-Pacific for technology adoption indicators in 2025, including e-commerce, social media usage, digital payments and advisory services from IT professionals.

Vietnamese SMEs are also increasingly focused on international markets. Up to 30% of SMEs forecast foreign revenue growth to rise sharply in 2026, the second-highest level among the Asia-Pacific markets surveyed.

Terumalay said that despite global volatility such as tariffs or trade barriers, the results reflect strong potential for Vietnamese SMEs to grow into larger international players, supported by a new generation of young entrepreneurs who are tech-savvy and ready to expand into new markets.

Funding needs, cybersecurity concerns and advisory demand

Demand for external funding remained high among Vietnamese SMEs, reaching 91% in 2025. However, the proportion of firms seeking capital to support growth fell from 80% in 2024 to 72% in 2025.

Cybersecurity risk remains a concern. In 2025, 60% of firms reported experiencing cyberattacks. At the same time, 70% of SMEs said they had reviewed and strengthened security measures, surpassing the regional average and leading the markets.

Advisory support is also increasing. In 2025, 52% of Vietnamese SMEs sought advice from information technology professionals—nearly double the survey average—and the trend continued. CPA Australia said this reflects growing awareness of the role of technology and cybersecurity, and is helping firms prioritize security solutions.

Outlook and challenges

Terumalay said rising costs and intensifying competition remain major challenges, but growth strategies—such as accelerating digital transformation, innovation and enhancing customer experience—are helping nimble Vietnamese SMEs take calculated risks to achieve better business outcomes.