Enhancing credit access to fuel growth

(ĐN)- State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) recently held a conference titled “Promoting bank credit to support economic growth” in Region 12, which includes the southeastern provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh. The event aimed to connect local authorities, banks, and businesses to address challenges in accessing preferential credit and to advance support programs for enterprises.

According to Mr. Ta Thanh Long, Director of the SBV Region 12 branch, total outstanding credit by the end of March 2025 reached over VND 1.1 quadrillion, a 0.86% increase from the beginning of the year, with Dong Nai and Ba Ria - Vung Tau showing solid growth. Priority sectors continued to receive stable credit flows, supported by effective implementation of Circular 02/2023, which helped restructure debt repayments and maintain debt group classifications.

Banks in the region have been actively rolling out loan programs to support local production and business activities. Agribank's Deputy CEO, Ms. Phung Thi Binh, noted that Region 12 is a key economic driver of southern Vietnam, leading in FDI and exports. Agribank aims to increase its credit in the region by 12% in 2025—equivalent to over VND 19 trillion—bringing total credit to VND 178 trillion. The bank has also launched preferential loan packages with interest rate reductions of 1–2%, alongside participation in government-linked infrastructure, logistics, housing, and export projects.

Mr. Pham Thanh Vinh, Director of Vietcombank’s Dong Nai branch, emphasized the importance of expanding credit access to businesses. The branch is applying preferential lending rates, especially for exporters, SMEs, and high-tech enterprises, helping reduce financing costs and stimulate borrowing demand.

Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, Mr. Duong Minh Dung, urged SBV Region 12 to continue deploying preferential credit programs and to direct funds toward key growth sectors such as investment, exports, and consumption.

Experts stressed the need to enhance bank-business connectivity to improve credit access. Representatives from Lien Anh Rubber Manufacturing Co. in Tay Ninh expressed interest in green credit to support their sustainable export initiatives to Europe.

Mr. Le Bach Long, Chairman of the Dong Nai Young Entrepreneurs Association, recommended more flexible lending criteria and interest rate support for SMEs, particularly for medium- and long-term loans. He also called for low-interest loan packages tailored to export and manufacturing businesses, as well as support in accessing green credit and financial consulting services to improve capital management and risk control.

Deputy Governor of the SBV, Mr. Pham Tien Dung, reaffirmed the region’s strategic role in Vietnam’s economy, highlighting its strengths in manufacturing, logistics, and urban development. He urged SBV Region 12 to propose policies that support socio-economic development and maximize the region’s credit and investment potential.

Reported by H.Q