Most Vietnamese businesses have to take out bank loans at an annual interest rate of 10-13 percent, while companies in neighboring countries can access loans at a 5-6 percent rate and, those in developed economies, at a 2-3 percent rate.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The banking system is plagued by low credit growth, huge liquidity but firms unable to borrow, and difficulty in selling mortgaged assets to liquidate bad loans,

 VietNamNet Bridge – Adopting international standards and limiting cross-ownership are among key measures that will ensure Vietnam's banking sector reforms are effective.

VietNamNet Bridge – The National Financial Supervisory Commission has reported that the level of non-performing debt on the books of Vietnam’s banks has sunk to around 9 percent.

 Central bank will continue gold auctions; Debt legislation won't be delayed; Central bank sets new rules for foreign currency lending; SBV approval to lend in foreign currency; Motorbike sales stutter despite holiday discounts

 VietNamNet Bridge – Two independent reports about Vietnam’s macro economy recommending the local currency devaluation of 2-4 percent in 2014 have been released.

 VietNamNet Bridge – While the State Bank repeatedly urges commercial banks to push up lending, economists believe there’s no need to strive for the 12 percent credit growth rate in 2013, if this brings risks.

The current factors of the national economy allow to stabilize the dong/dollar exchange rate. However, economists believe that it would be better to depreciate the local currency slightly so as to encourage exports.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam vows to reduce the foreign currency deposit ratio to 15 percent by 2015 and stop the dollarization by 2020

 VietNamNet Bridge – The State Bank of Vietnam believes that the number of bank branches and transaction offices is now “bigger than enough.” However, banks still have been trying to set up more branches.

In its latest report about the macro economy, the National Finance Supervision Council highlighted the heat in the interbank market, where the trading value reached the highest peak so far this year.

 Vietnam Public Commercial Joint Stock Bank makes its debut; Dutch funding advances Vietnam’s biology-based economy; Exports to UK market surge 34%

 VietNamNet Bridge – People in Hanoi have fallen into dilemma when asked to pay more money for the safekeeping services. Prior to that, banks committed to charge fee for the first six months only.

 Agro-forestry, seafood exports earn US$20.45 billion in 9 months; Garment sector lacking in material input; Viet Kieu car imports must clear customs

 CPI jumps in both major cities; Site clearance delays West Lake urban project; Central bank initiative reduces lending rates; Buyers bemoan social housing deposits

 VietNamNet Bridge – Many banks are hoping to offload their bad debts on the new asset management company after the central bank removed a major hurdle to selling their bad debts to the new asset management company,

 VietNamNet Bridge – The State Bank of Vietnam has decided to allow enterprises to import gold to make jewelries domestically, a long awaiting decision to help ease the thirst for materials.

 The Bank of Japan on Thursday issued an upbeat assessment of the world's third-largest economy, saying it was "recovering moderately", and held off expanding its huge stimulus programme.

Under the draft regulation compiled by the State Bank of Vietnam, commercial banks don’t have to pay back to customers the exact gold bars they entrusted to banks under the safekeeping services.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The State Bank of Viet Nam has announced that it discovered transactions worth more than VND50.9 trillion (US$2.41 billion) last year that it suspects are related to money laundering.