Central bank extends credit growth limits

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has extended the credit growth limits for the second time this year to some commercial banks, of which the highest level is up to 30 percent.
Central bank extends credit growth limits ảnh 1Transactions at a branch of BIDV (Source: BIDV)

Hanoi (VNS/VNA)
- The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has extended the creditgrowth limits for the second time this year to some commercial banks, of whichthe highest level is up to 30 percent.

Leadingbanks including four State-owned commercial banks, also introduced a loanpackage for production and business, supporting small and medium enterpriseswith preferential interest rates to boost credit growth at the end of the year.

Thelending interest rate ranges from 4.8-6.5 percent per year for loans less thansix months and 5.5-7.5 percent per year for loans from six to 12 months.

However,home and car loan interest rates of most commercial banks decreased only 10-20basis points compared to the end of the third quarter, at 7-9.5 percent peryear for the fixed interest rate period, then will be adjusted according to thedeposit interest rate or the bank's internal capital transfer interest rate ataround 10.5-11.5 percent per year.

Theinterbank interest rate was flat at 0.19 percent per year for the overnightdeposit tenor and 0.24 percent per year for the one-week deposit tenor.

Depositinterest rate is also stable at 2.5-3.8 percent per year for tenors of lessthan six months, 3.7-5 percent per year for six to less than 12 months, 4.9-5.8percent per year for 12-13 months.

Creditgrowth was more positive in the last quarter of the year, but commercial banks'liquidity is still abundant, interbank interest rates and deposit interestrates will move sideways in the next few months.

Marketfluctuations revolved around conflicting information about the new US economicstimulus package last week. Overall, the optimistic sentiment remained dueto the positive developments in the COVID-19 vaccine.

TheUSD/VND exchange rate listed by commercial banks remained at 23,010/23,220 VND.

Theexchange rate on the free market increased by 30 VND per US dollarbuying in and 40 VND per US dollar selling out to 23,200/23,240 VND.

Theinternational movement and the domestic foreign currency supply and demand arequite favourable, so the USD/VND exchange rate will keep a sideways trend.

Inaddition, the public hearing of the US trade representative on Vietnamesecurrency valuation on December 29 may create a slight upward pressure on theVietnamese dong./.
VNA

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Australia announces import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos

Australia’s formal publication provides an important legal basis, marking the completion of the review, assessment and agreement on technical requirements for fresh Vietnamese pomelos. This represents a significant step forward in market access, creating favourable conditions for relevant agencies, localities and businesses to prepare for export activities in the coming time.

Containers of fresh Vietnamese durian for export are subject to a full-chain traceability system. (Photo: VNA)

First “green lane” durian shipment exported to China

​Under the “green lane” process, quality control begins at the cultivation stage, including soil sampling and monitoring, and continues through harvesting and processing, with traceability labels attached to trees and applied to fruit at the time of picking. It also allows plant quarantine procedures and the issuance of certificates of origin (C/O) directly in the localities where the orchards are located.

Delegates at the Vietnam Expo 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam pushes for deeper auto supply chain ties with RoK

The RoK stood as Vietnam’s largest foreign investor with more than 95.2 billion USD in registered capital as of February 2026, or about 18% of all foreign cash flowing in, with thousands of active projects. In January-February alone, the RoK led the pack with nearly 2 billion USD in pledges, grabbing a whopping 32.7% of total registered capital and showing no signs of slowing down.

More than 600 tourism firms, 15 countries and territories, and 34 provinces and cities are promoting destinations and introducing tourism products at the fair (Photo: VNA)

Digital transformation key to elevating Vietnam’s tourism: official

Speaking at the opening of the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2026 in Hanoi on April 10, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong noted that despite challenges in 2025, Vietnam largely fulfilled its socio-economic development goals. Tourism remained a bright spot, recording 21.5 million foreign arrivals and 135.5 million domestic visitors, with total revenue exceeding 1 quadrillion VND (37.9 billion USD).

A drone sprays fertiliser over rice fields. (Photo: VNA)

Low-altitude economy emerges as new growth driver for Vietnam

The UAV technology is particularly effective in addressing challenges faced by ground infrastructure, especially in densely populated urban areas and remote regions. Smart aerial devices also enable real-time data collection, improving governance, decision-making and digital transformation across industries.

Passengers at Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong city (Photo: VNA)

Aviation sector ensures fuel supply for April 30–May 1 peak

Aviation fuel suppliers are actively negotiating and diversifying supply sources both domestically and internationally, while strengthening coordination, storage and distribution capacity to meet immediate demand. These efforts aim to support airlines in optimising operations and maintaining stable flight schedules.

A session at the Vietnam–Australia Green Transition Forum 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Green transition offers opportunities for stronger Vietnam–Australia cooperation

Under the theme "Accelerating decarbonisation in agriculture and manufacturing – Unlocking trade and investment opportunities", the forum gathered nearly 200 researchers, experts and businesses involved in policy development, investment, research and innovation. Participants exchanged insights and explored ways to translate the cooperation potential between Vietnam and Australia into practical business opportunities.