On behalf of both parties, Mr. Phạm Duy Hiếu – CEO of ABBANK, and Mr. Raj Kumar – Director of VietED Group, signed the Cooperation Agreement in the presence of the delegates
This collaboration focuses on strengthening farm sector through financing agricultural value chains, expanding financial inclusion, and improving livelihoods for vulnerable and underserved populations across Vietnam.
The signing ceremony was attended and witnessed by representatives of the Embassy of Australia in Vietnam, along with international organizations such as the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, Save the Children Vietnam, and the Gender Responsive Equitable Agriculture and Tourism (GREAT) project. who are currently implementing programs supporting the low-income communities and developing value chains to support livelihoods in various provinces of Vietnam.
ABBANK and VietED Group are jointly committed to pursuing three key goals, including: Optimize the potential and strengths of each party; Promote sustainable development in business performance, environment, society, and people; Contribute to serving the community and creating long-term positive impacts.
According to the agreement, over the next 5 years, ABBANK and VietED Group will join forces to provide financial products, including loans, suitable for poor and near-poor farming households. The partnership aims to develop financial products for both value chain leaders and farming households; while applying digital technology to enhance operational efficiency and financial management.
In a significant move to advance responsible finance, both parties announced the creation of the Green Synergy Group (GSG) - a strategic coordination body designed to drive meaningful financial inclusion and sustainable development. The GSG will spearhead initiatives to improve financial access through tailored products, implement environmentally sustainable value chain models, integrate supportive technologies, and rigorously evaluate the Bank's ESG initiatives.
Mr. Pham Duy Hieu – CEO of ABBANK
Mr. Pham Duy Hieu – CEO of ABBANK, stated: “Effective and sustainable business practices, alongside sustainable human development through investment in capacity, health, education, and happiness – is the core focus of our strategy. Our partnership with VietED Group demonstrates the mutual commitment and determination of both parties in building sustainable financial products, promoting community development, and creating long-term value for society, also is a clear testament to the spirit of “serving customers – serving the community” which ABBANK upholds.”
Mr. Raj Kumar – Director of VietED Group
Mr. Raj Kumar – Director of VietED Group, also emphasized: “We believe that when finance and knowledge go hand in hand, communities become self-sufficient. ABBANK's partnership is the catalyst that enables VietED to realize comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable access to finance solutions.”
This cooperation agreement marks an important step in ABBANK’s Sustainable Development Strategy, one of its five key priorities in 2025. The bank is committed to fostering innovation based on ESG standards, with a particular focus on the Social (S) aspect: improving customer service, enhancing employee welfare policies, and expanding community support programs.
Witnessing the signing ceremony, Mr Tran Van Tan - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Banks Association shared: “ABBANK and VietED Group are organizations with big hearts. Today’s event represents a collaboration of capital, technology, knowledge, and compassion between organizations to support customers and communities toward a more advanced and sustainable future. I hope this spirit will continue to be multiplied throughout the network of the Association’s members.”
Mr Tran Van Tan - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Banks Association
The ceremony was also honored to hear heartfelt remarks from Ms. Catherine Anne McWilliam - First Secretary for Development, Australian Embassy in Hanoi: “Thank you to ABBANK and VietED Group for giving us the opportunity to witness the signing of today’s cooperation agreement. I believe that the collaboration between the two sides in addressing root causes related to financial inclusion will bring long-term benefits and impact to the community. This is a truly win-win-win relationship: First - the 15 million ethnic minority people, if properly supported, will be a truly potential and sustainable market for the bank; Second - ethnic minority groups will gain better access to financial services and improve their quality of life through inclusive and responsible financial practices; Third - the local and national socioeconomic development outcomes can be enhanced through sustainable growth in agriculture and tourism enabled by sustainable financial services.”
Ms. Catherine Anne McWilliam - First Secretary for Development, Australian Embassy
Previously, ABBANK launched its Sustainable Development Strategy in November 2024 with the rollout of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for its trade finance operations. In January 2025, ABBANK established the ESG Sustainable Development Strategy Committee, which consists of senior executives with extensive experience and strategic vision. The bank has also made significant contributions through various community programs, including the 'Green An Binh – Green Vietnam' afforestation project (2021–2025), disaster relief for victims of Typhoon Yagi, building schools for highland students, and funding housing for priority groups…
ABBank and VietED Group will cooperate to provide financial products tailored for poor and near-poor farming households, and support the development of financial products for both agricultural value chain owners and farming households.
The mission of the collaboration between ABBANK and VietED Group is aligned with the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The program's activities will focus on raising community awareness of the green economy, circular economy, and innovation by providing practical knowledge and skills related to sustainable development and the application of Industry 4.0 technologies; while also fostering and spreading love, pride, and responsibility for the nation’s culture and heritage.
About ABBANK
An Binh Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ABBANK), established in 1993, has developed a strong reputation as a trusted and efficient retail banking institution. Committed to relentlessly enhancing service quality and customer experience, ABBANK continuously invests in building highly skilled, dedicated employees, developing competitive and flexible financial solutions, and improving its infrastructures and capabilities. ABBANK now has a robust nationwide transaction network of 165 branches across 34 provinces and innovative digital banking platforms ABBANK Business and AB Ditizen, serving more than two million customers.
With 32 years of establishment and development, ABBANK has consistently pursued the value of happiness in its corporate culture, with the policy of accompanying customers by offering suitable financial solutions and delivering the happy experience for clients and partners based on understanding and the spirit of “serving customers – serving the community.” ABBANK is the only bank among 40 Vietnamese and foreign enterprises to be awarded the title of "Enterprise for the Community" by Saigon Times CSR 2024.
About VietED Group
Viet Community Enterprise Development Group Corporation (commonly known as VietED Group) was established on March 29, 2010. Since its founding, thanks to the continuous efforts of our staff, the enthusiastic collaboration of our associates, and the close cooperation of our partners, we have grown to become one of Vietnam’s leading consulting organizations in the fields of advisory services, project management and implementation of community development and poverty reduction projects.
VietED Group 's core mandate focuses on enabling farmers and SMEs through sustainable finance solutions, market access development, and climate-smart agricultural innovations and financial education activities - all working toward securing sustainable livelihoods for underserved communities. With a proven track record, VietED Group has successfully implemented financial inclusion and market linkage programs across more than 15 provinces, impacting over ten thousand households.