Over the past period, the banking sector has consistently reinforced its role as a vital capital conduit for the economy, unlocking resources for investment, production, and business activities directed toward economic growth drivers. The objective of achieving "double-digit" growth imposes substantial resource demands. Therefore, the banking system must continue proactively deploying synchronized measures to optimize capital provision, lending interest rates, and credit accessibility across all economic sectors. Particular emphasis is placed on SMEs to help them navigate financial headwinds, sustain and expand business operations, and propel sustainable economic growth.
The SBV mandates commercial banks to actively optimize operating costs and balance resources to structure and execute appropriate credit packages, prioritizing the formulation of the Credit Program directed at economic growth drivers and SMEs.
Target audience and priority sectors: Eligible borrowers encompass SMEs, alongside enterprises and individuals engaged in production and business within priority sectors and key economic growth drivers. These include agriculture and rural development, supporting industries, high-tech enterprises, exports, the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), the semiconductor industry, processing and manufacturing, and green projects compliant with statutory Green Classification Criteria.
Preferential lending interest rates: Lending interest rates in Vietnamese Dong (VND) under this program will be at least 1.0% per annum lower than the respective lending bank’s average interest rate for the same term applied during any given period. Concurrently, institutions are encouraged to waive or reduce service fees (if any) in alignment with existing legal frameworks.
Should a customer qualify for incentives under multiple credit programs or packages concurrently deployed by the bank, the institution shall balance its resources to apply one or more supportive policies that best align with the customer’s requirements and the bank's operational capacity.
Implementation and regulatory oversight: The Program is slated to officially commence in August 2026. Furthermore, SBV regional branches are tasked with directing and monitoring the compliance of commercial banks within their respective localities. They are also responsible for coordinating the resolution of any emerging operational bottlenecks and promptly escalating matters beyond their jurisdiction to the Governor of the SBV.
