SBV has room to further cut deposit rates

The State Bank of Vietnam has the margin to further cut dong deposit rates to 7 percent and lower lending rates to below 10 percent, the National Financial Supervisory Commission (NFSC) recently revealed.
The State Bank of Vietnam has the margin to further cut dong depositrates to 7 percent and lower lending rates to below 10 percent, theNational Financial Supervisory Commission (NFSC) recently revealed.

In a study on the country's macro-economic performance in the firstquarter of 2013, the commission found that with domestic consumption andcredit demands remaining weak, this year's inflation is likely toremain under 7 percent.

This is further evidenced by averagestatistics for the past decade showing that inflation in the firstquarter often accounted for roughly 40 percent of the whole year's rate.

The commission observed that in the first quarter, bankliquidity generally remained stable and interest rates tended to fall intandem with inflation movements; yet the rate of deflation did notmatch up to businesses' expectations.

Slow credit growth in themanufacturing sector reflected weak capital absorption of the economy,the report noted. As of March 21, total lending increased only 0.03percent, while deposits rose 3.86 percent from the end of 2012.

Government bonds are still an attractive investment channel for banks with their attractive yields and apparently low risks.

However, with non-performing loans still posing major obstacles forenterprises to access bank capital, the credit growth target of 12percent this year is unlikely to be achieved.

According to the NFSC, the exchange rates remain stable due to the trade surplus and improved short-term investments.

The NFSC further recommended the government to give more support toenterprises in order to boost production and business by cuttinginterest rates, reducing corporate income tax to 20 percent as well asconsidering cuts to value added tax (VAT).

The commissionhighlighted the need to accelerate the process of dealing withnon-performing loans, explore the possibility of starting a debt assetmanagement company in the near future, and actively launching apreferential credit package to support the construction sector and thereal estate market.-VNA

See more

Consumers shop at the WinMart Vo Thi Sau supermarket in Hanoi's Hai Ba Trung district. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi keeps CPI well under control

The CPI for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 2.75% compared to the same period last year, indicating that inflation remains well under control.

Vietnam’s KRX trading system is set to go live on May 5. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Vietnam to launch KRX trading system on May 5

The KRX system is currently in its final testing phase before full implementation. During this period, securities firms are conducting simulated trading sessions as if on a normal trading day.

Vietnam has proactively reviewed and adjust tariffs, particularly on US imports, as part of efforts towards balanced trade relations. (Illustrative photo - Source: VNA)

Vietnam reviews, adjusts import tariffs to promote trade balance

The Ministry of Finance is now working closely with other agencies to evaluate policy options that support businesses. Possible solutions include market diversification, supply chain optimisation, and leveraging opportunities from Vietnam’s existing free trade agreements.

Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

Retail petrol prices up in latest adjustment

Under the new pricing structure, E5 RON92 and RON95-III have increased by 341 VND and 495 VND per litre to a maximum of 20,373 VND (0.79 USD) and 20,919 VND per litre, respectively.

The Lumitel brand is being promoted on walls across Burundi. (Photo: Viettel)

Lumitel – A bright spot in Vietnam-Burundi collaboration

After a decade of operations, Lumitel has become the leading telecommunications provider in Burundi and one of the largest contributors to the Burundian government's budget, providing stable employment for over 60,000 workers and indirectly creating around 100,000 jobs.

Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak speaks at the forum. (Photo: VNA)

Ample room remains for Vietnam - Belarus trade cooperation

To further develop the Vietnam-Belarus economic and trade relationship, it is essential to enhance trade promotion and investment initiatives such as trade fairs, forums, thematic workshops, and trade connections, which serve as an important bridge for businesses from both sides to meet, connect, and seek cooperation opportunities.

The 5th Exhibition of Ho Chi Minh City and Friendship Provinces and Cities in Savannakhet takes place from April 2 to 6. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos boost trade at Savannakhet expo

Vice Governor of Savannakhet Saensak Soulisak highlighted the exhibition’s role in expanding trade collaboration, enabling businesses to connect, share experience, and explore investment prospects. He also noted its significance in promoting local products to a wider market.

Visitors at the exhibition (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam Expo 2025 opens, spotlighting digital transformation, innovation

This year’s edition, themed “Step together in a digitised world,” has attracted around 400 businesses from 18 countries and territories, with over 500 booths. Alongside traditional networking, it introduces online business-to-business (B2B) matching, enabling year-round connections.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the second meeting of the National Steering Committee for building the private economic sector development project (Photo: VNA)

Private sector encouraged to join major national programmes, projects

It must fully unleash the productive capacity and resources of the country through the private sector; mobilise all private resources for national development; harness the effectiveness of internal forces, including human, natural resources, history, and culture, while effectively combining them with external resources such as capital, technology, human resources, and management experience, he said.

At the annual Vietnam-Cambodia business dialogue in Phnom Penh on April 4 (Photo: VNA)

Annual Vietnam-Cambodia business dialogue held in Cambodia

The annual business dialogue in Cambodia attracted around 150 delegates, including Vietnamese businesses and Vietnamese-origin companies operating in Cambodia across various sectors such as finance, banking, insurance, telecommunications, agriculture, construction, interior design, food services, transportation, logistics, trade, healthcare, and tourism.