Experts and representatives of businesses in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre gathered at a workshop on April 7 to call for credit incentives for local agricultural export.

General Director of Ben Tre Export and Import Joint Stock Company (Betrimex) Tran Van Duc highlighted the need for specific credit packages targeting agricultural production, processing and export.

Representatives from the Luong Quoi coconut processing company suggested the Government make amendments to financial policies on developing agricultural and rural areas, with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) lowering the annual USD lending interest rate ceiling.

Meanwhile, Dr Le Tham Duong from the University of Banking emphasised the role of farming households in the development of the region, suggesting that credit incentives should be devised to increase their agricultural production.

SBV Deputy Governor Nguyen Kim Anh valued the potential of agricultural production and lauded efforts made by local households towards that end.

The SBV pledged to continue its support for local businesses and residents to enhance the value of local products and ensure sustainable and rapid development in the region, Anh added.

In 2014, the national agricultural export value exceeded 30 billion USD including major Mekong Delta products, according to Anh.-VNA