The rankings showed that the average growth rate of 500 businesses in the 2009-2012 period stood at 44.7%, lower than that recorded in 2008-2011.

Vietnam Report’s survey found that top 10 small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) posted an impressive growth rate of 88.3%.

Top of the FAST 500 rankings was Intimex Nha Trang import and export JSC, while Duong Hieu mineral exploration JSC secured the first place among leading SMEs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi remained the most dynamic economic hubs with their businesses accounting for major proportions in the FAST 500 rankings (31% and 21%, respectively).

Sectors achieving highest growth included seafood (65.1%), construction and real estate (59.2%), and transport (58.6%).

Most surveyed businesses stressed the need tostabilize macroeconomy, simplify administrative procedures aiming to create a healthier business climate and adopt a preferential tax policy.