On January 9th, during the banking sector’s task deployment conference for Zone 2 (encompassing Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province), Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, Pham Tien Dung, announced that by 2025, the State Bank’s Zone 2 Branch had vigorously implemented administrative reforms, officially launching 32 full-service online public services. This initiative significantly enhances service quality for citizens and businesses.
Bank-business connectivity initiatives have been highly effective, with disbursement volumes exceeding VND 881.286 trillion, achieving 170% of the plan. This has substantially contributed to local economic growth, as evidenced by Ho Chi Minh City’s GRDP growth of 8.03% and Dong Nai Province’s 9.63%.
In 2026, a key focus for the State Bank’s Zone 2 Branch will be supporting the development of the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City.
Mr. Pham Tien Dung urged credit institutions to collaborate closely with relevant agencies in establishing the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City, enhancing their capacity to deliver high-quality financial services. This preparation aims to capitalize on opportunities arising from the Long Thanh Airport and free trade zones.
The banking sector is ready to participate in the construction and development of the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City.
The leadership of the State Bank of Vietnam has called on the Zone 2 Branch and credit institutions to intensify efforts in building the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City, urging immediate action to study relevant decrees for appropriate implementation.
“Comprehensive solutions, specific regulations, and mechanisms are now clear, and it’s time to focus on implementation. For instance, foreign exchange regulations among International Financial Center members, both domestically and internationally, are open and even surpass current policies. The goal is to collaboratively build the International Financial Center, creating resources to drive economic development in Ho Chi Minh City and nationwide,” emphasized Deputy Governor Dung.
At the conference, several banks expressed their readiness to participate in the International Financial Center’s activities.
Mr. Lim Dyi Chang, Senior Director of Corporate Banking at UOB Vietnam, stated that foreign banks will engage with the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City as a bridge between the domestic financial system and the global payment network. These banks will operate according to international payment standards, manage cross-border foreign exchange and credit risks, and strictly comply with anti-money laundering, terrorism financing, and sanctions requirements.
“These capabilities reduce friction in capital and trade flows, fostering a more transparent market where risks and services are accurately priced according to international standards,” observed Mr. Lim Dyi Chang.
Boosting Credit for New Growth Drivers
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, urged the city’s banking sector to increase credit for new growth drivers in 2026.
“Following the merger, Ho Chi Minh City is oriented toward developing ‘3 regions, 1 special zone, 3 corridors, and 5 drivers,’ and the banking sector needs to research and develop specific, preferential credit products to support these areas. Notably, this includes partnering on 77 key projects such as Ring Road 4, Can Gio Bridge, Phu My 2 Bridge, the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea route, and metro lines,” Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh specified.
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