HCMC – Total outstanding credit in HCMC had totaled VND3,936 billion by the end of February, up by 12.2% year-on-year, with lending primarily directed toward production, business, trade, services, and consumer sectors.
Foreign currency lending to production, business, and import-export activities steadily grew by 1.37% against the previous month, according to Nguyen Duc Lenh, deputy director of the State Bank of Vietnam’s HCMC Branch.
This growth aligns with the expansion of import-export activities in February, effectively meeting capital demands in key economic sectors.
Credit flows remained concentrated in production, trade, and services, with loans to these sectors accounting for approximately 75% of total lending, mostly for short-term capital needs.
The increase in disbursements and loan approvals reflects credit’s continued role in supporting businesses and household enterprises in the city. As a result, lending in February rose 14% from the previous month.
For 2025, the State Bank of Vietnam has set a 16% credit growth target, with flexibility to adjust based on market demand to sustain economic expansion.
Given early-year credit trends, experts suggest that HCMC’s banking sector strengthen coordination with relevant departments and local authorities to ease capital constraints for businesses and address the ongoing credit supply-demand imbalance.
A survey conducted by the HCMC Business Association (HUBA) at the end of February revealed that 37% of businesses in the city are facing capital shortages, while 59% have requested credit support and interest rate reductions.
