From 28th February to 4th March 2010, UEB mission led by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hong Son - Vice Rector of University of Economics and Business - VNU attended to an international seminar on SMI - Social Microenterprises Initiative, which was held by Arthur B. Schultz Foundation (ABS) in The U.S.
The seminar attracted many enterprises, non-governmental organizations, universities and private charitable organizations from 9 countries such as: The U.S., Vietnam, Switzerland, Russia, Norway, Palestine and Kenya.
ABS Foundation is an American charitable organization which has been cooperating with Center of Economic Development Study, University of Economics and Business - VNU in implementing SMI Program in Vietnam since 2004. The program has supported nearly 30 enterprises with non-interest loans to develop their business. The organization also assisted more than 70.000 Vietnamese unfortunate people. Besides Vietnam, the SMI Program is also implemented in Russia, Palestine and Kenya.
SMI Program in Vietnam - Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hong Son - Vice Rector of University of Economics and Business - VNU and Ms. Nguyen Le Thuy reported about “Vietnam’s economy, medium-scale and small enterprises and SMI Program in Vietnam”. The report illustrated features of Vietnam economy, issues relating to the roles of Vietnam enterprises, the opportunity and challenges in the coming period. Furthermore, the report also showed the results of SMI Program in supporting Vietnam enterprises and unfortunate people since 2005.
The seminar closed successfully, gathered news ideas about development strategy of the program in the future. Mr Arthur B. Schultz - ABS founder - committed to sponsor $1 million to develop the program. Mr Erik, ABS Director also expressed his confidence on the development and the stability of SMI Program in the future.