More than 47.3% of surveyed firms said that they anticipated better business compared to the last quarter of 2018, and 37.8% expected stable business.
Only 14.9% forecast their business and operation would be more difficult.
The inventory of the manufacturing and processing industry sits at 64.4%, the lowest rate in the past three years.
Another survey of construction firms showed 59.6% predicted improved or stable business in the first quarter of 2019 while the rest expected more difficulties.
According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vietnamese firms were also optimistic about their business prospects in 2019 with 51% saying they had plans to expand.
A recent survey by the Vietnam Supply Chain also found that more than 80% of surveyed firms believed 2019 would be a better year than 2018. Only 7.7% were worried 2019 would be worse while 9% were not sure.
