The economic conditions in Dak Lak throughout the first half of 2026 show worrying signals for the local business ecosystem. Data records a sharp surge in the number of closing companies, reaching 428 entities—a 98.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, more than 1,200 businesses were forced to suspend operations, while the cooperative sector also experienced a significant decline.
Head of the Finance Department, Cao Dinh Huy, explained that the trade, construction, and real estate sectors were the most severely affected. Major factors behind this crisis include weak consumer purchasing power, high logistics costs, and bureaucratic hurdles related to land permits. Business owners frequently complain about policy uncertainty, making long-term investment plans difficult to execute.
In response, the Dak Lak Provincial Government is committed to creating a more welcoming investment climate through a 'green channel' mechanism. This initiative reduces administrative procedure times to a maximum of 35 days for priority projects. Furthermore, accelerating the completion of the land database is targeted for completion by the end of 2026 to provide legal certainty for entrepreneurs in acquiring land.
Regarding capital, credit access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remains a key challenge. A representative of the State Bank of Vietnam emphasized the need to improve financial reporting transparency among SMEs so that credit institutions can assess risk more accurately. The provincial government is currently reviewing a more inclusive credit guarantee scheme to bridge this gap.
Furthermore, experts emphasize that the key to business sustainability in Dak Lak lies in technology adaptation and an orientation toward a green economy. Former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh suggested that large enterprises embrace local SMEs in global supply chains. By integrating modern technology and strengthening intellectual property protection, businesses in Dak Lak are expected to transform into competitive players in the international market.
