Credit access in focus as Southeast region targets faster growth

The Southeast region of Vietnam is a crucial growth engine, accounting for 31.4 percent of the nation's economic expansion in 2026. To support key projects, the region requires approximately VND757 trillion (US$29.33 billion) in loans. However, small and medium-sized enterprises continue to struggle with accessing affordable financing.

On October 23 in Ho Chi Minh City, the State Bank of Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee organized a conference to discuss unlocking financial and banking resources for growth in the Southeast region. The conference was attended by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Chairman, the State Bank of Vietnam Governor, and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vice Chairman.

The State Bank of Vietnam has implemented synchronized monetary and credit measures, including reviewing and simplifying lending procedures, accelerating digital technology applications, and maintaining stable deposit interest rates to lower lending rates. Outstanding loans across the economy have increased by 11.7 percent, with the Southeast region alone having nearly VND6.8 quadrillion in outstanding credit, representing almost 35 percent of the national total.

Small and medium-sized enterprises make up 98 percent of all businesses but receive only about 20 percent of bank credit, with lending rates ranging from 10 percent to 12 percent per year. Some large projects have received exceptional treatment regarding credit growth limits, with 15 projects in the Southeast region estimated to require VND757 trillion in financing.