Banks cut savings rates to ensure lower-interest loans

A number of commercial banks have lowered their interest rates on savings accounts by 0.1-0.4 percentage points in order to offer loans at a lower interest rate to businesses and individuals affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Banks cut savings rates to ensure lower-interest loans ảnh 1HDBank is offering low-interest loans and has waived fees on international payments for businesses that supply drugs and medical equipment (Photo courtesy of HDBank)
HCM City (VNA) - Anumber of commercial banks have lowered their interest rates on savingsaccounts by 0.1-0.4 percentage points in order to offer loans at alower interest rate to businesses and individuals affected by the COVID-19outbreak. 

As of March 6, ABBank had lowered its interest rate on savings accounts from7.9 percent to 7.7 percent a year for 18-36 month terms. For 12-month termdeposits, the interest rate dropped by 0.2 percent to 7.6 percent peryear.

For one- to three-month term deposits, the ceiling interest rateswere adjusted from 5 percent to 4.8 percent.

 
For 12-month term, the interest rate on deposits made at thecounter decreased from 6.3-7 percent to 6.1-6.8 percent, depending on theamount.

In addition, as of March 3, the deposit interest rateat VPBank dropped by 0.05-0.15 percent for terms of six monthsor longer. 

The 12-month term deposit interest rate has dropped to 6.9-7.1 percent(deposits made at the counter) and 7-7.1 percent per year (deposits madeonline). 

VBBank’s highest deposit interest rate of 7.7 percent has dropped to 7.55 percentper year, for 18 months or longer term, with amounts over 5 billion VND.

Eximbank on February 28 also reduced deposit interest rates by 0.1-0.4percentage points. 

The 36-month term deposit interest rates for customers depositing at thecounter fell from 8.4 percent to 8 percent. For 12- and 15-monthterms, the rate dropped by 0.2 percentage points to 7.4 percent and 7.8 percent,respectively.

Experts said the drop in deposit interest rates would continue asmany countries’ central banks have also done so, including theUS Federal Reserve, which cut deposit rates by 0.5 percentage points.

According to a recent report from Bao Viet Securities Joint StockCompany (BVSC), deposit interest rates have decreased slightly due to theimpact of COVID-19. 

According to BVSC, because of the epidemic, demand for loans is expectedto decline. Credit in the first two months of the year increased by only0.77 percent compared to 1.07 percent in the same period last year. Thedeposit interest rates may continue to drop in the coming time, but notsignificantly.

“If the epidemic continues to affect production and serviceactivities, deposit interest rates will continue to fall so that lendinginterest rates can drop,” BVSC said.

Recently in response to the State Bank of Vietnam’s appeal, a number ofcredit institutions have announced plans to support businesses affected by thenovel coronavirus epidemic.

For example, BIDV reduced the lending interest rate by at least 1 percent peryear for loans in Vietnamese dong and 0.5 percent per year for US dollar.

At Saigon - Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank, customers are entitled to areduction of lending interest rates of up to 1.5 percent per year for loans inVietnamese dong and 0.5 percent per year for US dollar loans.

Kienlongbank has cut its loan interest rate by 3 percentagepoints for farmers growing dragon fruit, watermelon, durian, jackfruit, mango,rambutan and banana between February 1 and April 30 this year. Itwill also waive penalties on overdue loans of borrowers affected by the COVID-19outbreak.

HDBank is offering low-interest loans and has waived fees oninternational payments for businesses that supply drugs and medical equipment.

In addition, ABBank has launched a loan support packagetotalling 4 trillion VND at low interest rates for affected businesses. Ithas also conducted a review of its credit portfolio, especially accountsof enterprises with trade relations with China, and will offer them timelyadvice via phone or email.

The Government plans to provide a 250 trillion VND (10.78 billion USD) low-interestcredit support package and a fiscal support package of nearly 30 trillion VNDto support individuals and businesses affected by the epidemic.

The State Bank of Vietnam has urged credit institutionsto maintain enough funds to meet credit demand and supportcustomers affected by the outbreak.

Speaking at a recent meeting, Le Minh Hung, the central bank governor, urgedbanks to keep a watch on the business situation of customers who could beaffected by the epidemic and evaluate the possible impact. 

The central bank has also instructed credit institutions nationwide towork with local authorities to resolve problems faced by affectedbusinesses and borrowers./.
VNA

See more

Experts are expected to analyse opportunities for boosting exports and investment cooperation between Vietnam and South American countries at the coming seminar. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Seminar on trade promotion in South American market to take place in Hanoi

A seminar on opportunities and challenges in developing the South American market will be held in Hanoi on May 28. It aims to provide updates on the economic outlook, market trends and import demand in South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile, amid continued fluctuations in global supply chains.

A view of the second Asia Agri Food International 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on May 19 (Photo: VNA)

India pushes stronger agri-food cooperation with Vietnam

Experts noted that Vietnam has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading agricultural product exporters, while India remains a major global supplier of agricultural and food products. By combining India’s production capacity and technological strengths with Vietnam’s dynamic processing and export ecosystem, the two countries can build more resilient supply chains in the region.

A panel discussion at the Meet Australia 2026 programme on May 19 (Photo: VNA)

Meet Australia 2026 promotes sustainable partnership opportunities

Meet Australia 2026 is not only a trade and investment promotion event but also a forum connecting trust, vision and action between Vietnam and Australia, as well as between national-level cooperation orientations and development needs of localities and businesses from both countries.

A customer purchases E10 biofuel petrol at a PVOIL station on Thai Thinh street in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Authorities ordered to closely monitor rollout of E10 biofuel from June 1

According to the agency, the move is aimed at ensuring the effective and synchronised implementation of the E10 transition roadmap under Circular No. 50/2025/TT-BCT, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on November 7, 2025. The plan seeks to avoid delays or supply disruptions that could affect the domestic fuel market.

Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in India Bui Trung Thuong speaks at the forum. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, India promote digital economy cooperation towards 25 bln USD trade target

With the strengthened Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the rapid growth of digital economies in both countries and complementary strengths in technology, manufacturing and markets, Vietnam and India are well positioned to build a deeply connected digital trade ecosystem and enhance their participation in global value chains.

“Vietnam Economic Day” in St. Petersburg attracts crowds (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam showcases economic potential, investment opportunities in St. Petersburg

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi stressed that economic cooperation between Vietnam and Russia is entering a new phase with promising opportunities for growth. He praised this year’s programme for combining a business roundtable, a youth business forum and traditional cultural and culinary activities, creating both an academic platform for dialogue and an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding between the two countries' people.

Lien Minh Agricultural Cooperative in Thai Nguyen province, provides stable employment for hundreds of its members. (Photo: VNA)

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Milk collection at a dairy farm operated by Vinamilk at the Nhon Tan concentrated farming zone in An Nhon Tay commune, Gia Lai province. (Photo: VNA)

Self-reliance in raw materials fuels Vietnam’s dairy growth

The strategy targets annual industry growth of 12-14% by 2030, with processed liquid milk output reaching 4.2 billion litres annually. Domestic fresh milk production is projected to hit 2.6 billion litres per year, meeting 60-65% of processing demand, while milk powder output is expected to reach 245,000 tonnes annually. Per capita milk consumption is targeted at 40 litres per year.

Quang Ninh gives in principle approval to first offshore wind power plant

Quang Ninh gives in principle approval to first offshore wind power plant

Covering an area of 11.95 ha of land and water surface, the project is expected to have a designed capacity of 50 MW and will be implemented in nearshore waters of the Co To special zone. Its key components include wind turbines, a substation, a 110kV transmission line, and related auxiliary facilities.

At Nghi Son 2 thermal power plant in Thanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s national standards strategy for 2026–2035 approved

The strategy envisions a modern, open standards system welded to international norms, serving as a piece of soft institutional infrastructure, a policy tool and a technical backbone for state governance. It also casts standards as an engine of innovation, digital transformation, green transition and sustainable development.

Shrimp harvesting in Ca Mau province (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese shrimp sector seeks distinct path in global race

Nguyen Duy Hoa, Deputy Technical Director of Cargill Vietnam, said Vietnam cannot compete with Ecuador on costs nor match India in scale. Instead, the country should focus on value rather than volume or price competition, prioritising quality improvement, technology adoption and value-added products.

Wind turbine No. 3 at the V1-3 site of the Duyen Hai Wind Power Plant in Truong Long Hoa ward, Vinh Long province.(Photo: VNA)

Retail market seen driving double-digit growth

Domestic consumption is being regarded as one of the key drivers for sustaining economic growth. Following the Government’s Resolution No. 88/NQ-CP on promoting the domestic market and stimulating consumption, many retailers have accelerated the expansion of distribution systems, invested in technology and improved supply chains.