Fitch offers positive outlook on Agribank

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the long-term issuer default ratings (IDRs) of Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) at B+ with a positive outlook.
Fitch offers positive outlook on Agribank ảnh 1Fitch Ratings has affirmed the long-term IDRs of Agribank at B. (Source: VNA)

 Hanoi (VNA) – Fitch Ratings has affirmed the long-term issuer defaultratings (IDRs) of Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank)at B with a positive outlook.

“The positive rating action takes into account the Vietnamesebanking system’s enhanced operating environment, with improved economicpolicymaking from authorities promoting macroeconomic stability andpredictability,” Fitch noted in a report released on February 27.

According to Fitch, the Vietnamese Government will supportAgribank when necessary as the bank plays an important role in the country’sbanking system and is one of the four largest banks in Vietnam by total assetsand network.

The positive outlook also reflects Fitch’s views on Vietnam’simprovement in providing support when necessary.

As of December 31, 2017, Agribank had reported a 20 percentincrease in profit to a record 5.01 trillion VND (220.44 million USD). The bank’stotal assets also hit nearly 1.2 quadrillion VND (52.8 billion USD) and itsmobilised capital was close to 1.1 quadrillion VND (48.4 billion USD). The bankcontributed 1.2 trillion VND (52.8 million USD) to the State budget.

In 2017, Agribank led commercial banks in the list of the 500biggest firms in Vietnam and ranked sixth overall on the list.

The bank also won other awards in the year, such as Sao KhueAward, “Bank for Community” Award, and awards granted by JCB InternationalCredit Card Co., Ltd., Bank of New York Mellon, Wells Fargo and JP Morgan.

In the ratings, Fitchalso affirmed the long-term IDRs of Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank forIndustry and Trade (Vietinbank) and Joint Stock Commercial Bank for ForeignTrade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) at ‘B ’ with a positive outlook.

The viability rating of the two banks was upgraded to ‘B’ from‘B-’. 
Meanwhile, the long-term IDR of Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank(Military Bank) was upgraded to ‘B ’ from ‘B’ with a stable outlook. -VNA
VNA

See more

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh speaks at the meeting to review the development strategy and operational framework for the international financial centre. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM urges early establishment of trading platforms at Int’l Financial Centre

Chairing a meeting in Hanoi on March 6 to review the development strategy and operational framework for the international financial centre, Binh acknowledged the progress made by relevant ministries and localities in a short period of time. However, he noted that current efforts have largely focused on building the organisational structure and legal framework.

Regza Vietnam Electronics Co., Ltd. (fully invested by Taiwan, China) installs four modern production lines in 2024. (Photo: VNA)

FDI disbursement in Jan–Feb reaches five-year high

The NSO noted that the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Singapore were the largest investors during the period, each registering over 1 billion USD in newly committed capital, accounting for a significant share of total foreign investment inflows into Vietnam.

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on Vietnam’s economy under the baseline scenario is expected to remain limited. (Photo: VNA)

Middle East tensions likely to have moderate impact on Vietnam’s economy: VinaCapital

According to Michael Kokalari, Director of Macroeconomic Analysis and Market Research at VinaCapital, the conflict is unlikely to significantly affect Vietnam. Exports to the Middle East account for less than 3% of Vietnam’s total export turnover, while the likelihood of a large-scale and prolonged ground campaign in Iran is considered relatively low.

VinFast has signed a strategic partnership with six electric motorbike dealers in Indonesia, marking a new step in expanding its distribution network in one of the region’s and the world’s largest motorcycle markets. (Photo: VNA)

VinFast partners with six e-scooter dealers in Indonesia

In preparation for the launch of its electric scooters in Q2/2026, VinFast has signed additional MoUs with six dealers, including PT. IB Motor, PT. Sentrik, PT. Axara Marani, PT. Sukses Sejati Indonesia, PT. Tangguh Inti Motor, and PT. Kiki Motor Persada. These partners are distributors with strong experience in key markets and share a common direction toward green mobility solutions.

Fishermen at Dong Tac fishing port in Phu Yen ward, Dak Lak province prepare to head back to sea after the storm (Photo: VNA)

Dak Lak reviews fishing vessel fleet, steps up fight against IUU fishing

Local authorities are focusing on managing registered fishing vessels and reviewing all records and data related to fishing, purchasing and processing seafood. Violations related to IUU fishing are being strictly handled under the principle of “facing the problem, not avoiding it”.

UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew addresses the event (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Vietnam, UK step up cooperation in derivatives commodity market development

The British Embassy in Vietnam and the British Consulate-General in Vietnam, in coordination with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), held a capacity-building session under the UK–Vietnam Growth Gateway initiative in Hanoi on March 5 to discuss strategies for developing a transparent and globally connected commodity and derivatives market.

The Quang Tri coastal road project, spanning nearly 55km, is among key projects with regional connectivity that play an important role in promoting socio-economic development in the central province of Quang Tri. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.(Photo: VNA)

Public investment disbursement slow despite record capital scale

As of February 28, total disbursed capital reached 55.74 trillion VND, equivalent to 5.6% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister. Of the figure, disbursement of the central budget was estimated at 10.18 trillion VND, or 2.9% of the plan, while that of local budgets totalled 45.56 trillion VND, reaching 7% of the target.

Delegates taste UK food (Photo: VNA)

Taste of UK week promotes British foods in Vietnam

The “Taste of the UK” food week, held for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City from February 26 to March 11, is an opportunity to promote British food products and strengthen their presence in Vietnam, while giving local consumers a chance to experience the diversity of UK cuisine.

A customer purchases E5RON92 bioethanol fuel at a PVOIL gas station on Thai Thinh street, Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Retail fuel prices rise sharply in March 5 adjustment

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the global fuel market during the latest price adjustment period from February 26 to March 4, 2026 was influenced by several major factors, including the escalating military conflict between the US – Israel coalition and Iran.