2002年-世界发展银行全球_Household_Enterprises_in_Vietnam___Survival_Growth_and_Living_Sandards_34页_1mb

Summary of "Household Enterprises in Vietnam: Survival, Growth, and Living Standards"

Core Content

This working paper by Vijverberg and Haughton examines the role of non-farm household enterprises (NFHEs) in Vietnam's economic growth and living standards. The study uses data from the Vietnam Living Standards Surveys (VLSS) of 1993 and 1998 to analyze the survival, growth, and impact of these enterprises on household welfare.

Main Findings

• Survival and Growth: Two-fifths of the household enterprises that operated in Vietnam in 1993 were still in business in 1998. About 39% of enterprises from 1993 survived to 1998, with higher survival rates in more affluent areas.
• Employment Trends: In 1998, nearly a quarter of adults in Vietnam were employed in NFHEs. However, the proportion of adults working in NFHEs decreased slightly from 25.7% to 24.2% over the five-year period.
• Income and Employment: The proportion of adults relying solely on NFHEs for income increased from 9.5% to 10.2%, indicating that these enterprises are becoming a more significant source of income for some households.
• Regional Differences: NFHEs are more common in urban areas and among those with moderate education. In contrast, they are less prevalent in poor and rich areas, where wage labor is more attractive.
• Income Mobility: Households that moved up the income distribution were more likely to participate in NFHEs, suggesting that these enterprises may contribute to economic mobility.
• Household Characteristics: Participation in NFHEs is more common among middle-aged adults (26-55) and those with moderate schooling (6-12 years). Those with higher education are less likely to engage in NFHEs, possibly due to better access to wage employment.
• Environmental Factors: In rural areas, the availability of infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and markets is positively correlated with the likelihood of operating a NFHE. Agricultural extension programs in rural areas may reduce the attractiveness of NFHEs due to higher farming profitability.
• Family Background: Households with a proprietor as a parent are more likely to engage in NFHEs, indicating a role of family history in enterprise participation.

Key Information

• Survey Data: The analysis is based on the Vietnam Living Standards Surveys (VLSS) of 1993 and 1998, which provided panel data for tracking enterprise survival.
• Attractiveness of Wage Labor: In wealthier areas, wage labor is more appealing, leading to a decline in NFHE participation.
• Economic Role: NFHEs are seen as a bridge between agriculture and the formal sector, playing a modest but important role in economic growth.
• Future Outlook: As the formal sector expands, NFHEs may continue to play a supporting role, but their share of employment and income may decrease.

Factors Influencing NFHE Participation

• Education Level: Moderately educated individuals are more likely to engage in NFHEs.
• Age: Adults aged 26-55 are more likely to participate in NFHEs than those in other age groups.
• Location: Urban areas show higher participation in NFHEs compared to rural areas.
• Infrastructure: Availability of markets, roads, and utilities in rural areas positively influences NFHE participation.
• Family Background: Households with a proprietor as a parent are more likely to operate a NFHE.
• Economic Opportunities: In rich areas, the availability of wage labor reduces the need for NFHEs.

Policy Implications

• Support for NFHEs: The study highlights the need for targeted support to NFHEs, particularly in poor and remote areas, where they are crucial for economic development.
• Education and Credit: Lack of education and credit in poor areas hampers the development of NFHEs, while better access to these resources in more affluent areas promotes their growth.
• Market Access: Improving market access and infrastructure in rural regions can enhance the viability of NFHEs and support economic growth.

Conclusion

NFHEs are an important part of Vietnam's economy, particularly in the transition phase from agriculture to a more diversified economy. They contribute to income generation and economic mobility, but their role is expected to diminish as the formal sector expands. The paper emphasizes the need for understanding the factors that influence NFHE survival and growth to inform future economic policies in Vietnam.