Credit grows 8.15 percent in first half in Hanoi

The total outstanding loans in Hanoi was estimated at 1.6 quadrillion VND (70 billion USD) in the first half of this year, according to the State Bank of Vietnam’s Hanoi branch.
Credit grows 8.15 percent in first half in Hanoi ảnh 1The total outstanding loans in Hanoi was estimated at 1.6 quadrillion VND (70 billion USD) in the first half of this year (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The total outstanding loans in Hanoiwas estimated at 1.6 quadrillion VND (70 billion USD) in the first half of thisyear, according to the State Bank of Vietnam’s Hanoi branch.

Itrepresented a rise of 8.15 percent over December 31, 2016 and 16 percent overthe same period last year.

The credit mainly went into business andproduction, with 41.9 percent of the outstanding loans pouring into small- andmedium-sized enterprises, 7 percent for agriculture and rural sector, and 9.8percent for export.

[Interest rates for different terms forecast to drop 0.5-1 percent]

Depositsin credit institutions in the capital city rose 5.39 percent in the first sixmonths of this year over the end of last year to touch 1.7 quadrillion VND.

Thecentral bank’s Hanoi branch said that the deposits met the capital demand ofbusinesses and other investments, as well as ensured liquidity.

Overduedebts accounted for 2.82 percent of the total outstanding loans.

Deposit rates for Vietnamese dong were around 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent peryear for a term of six to 12 months and 6.5 percent to 7.8 percent formore than 12-month term.

Lendingrates were at 6 percent to 7 percent for short-term loans and 9 percent to 10percent for medium- and long-term loans.

Theforeign exchange rates were also stable in the first half of this year,according to the central bank’s Hanoi branch.-VNA
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.

Household businesses and individual entrepreneurs with annual revenue of 500 million VND or less are not subject to personal income tax and are only required to declare their actual revenue. (Photo: VNA)

Expanding personal income tax exemptions to drive knowledge economy

The Ministry of Finance has recently released the draft for public feedback, with the decree expected to take effect from July 1. The draft specifies 21 categories of tax-exempt income, adding five, aimed at encouraging individuals working in priority sectors aligned with national development strategies.​