ASIATODAY.ID, HANOI — Vietnam has secured a $721 million international financing package to expand access to credit for small businesses, marking another significant step in strengthening the country’s private sector and broadening financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs.
The package combines a $100 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to HDBank with an additional $621 million mobilized from 29 international commercial banks, underscoring continued confidence among global lenders in Vietnam’s financial sector and long-term economic prospects.
ADB served as the mandated lead arranger and co-coordinator alongside Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited, bringing together international financial institutions to expand HDBank’s access to long-term funding and increase lending capacity for Vietnam’s business community.
The financing will support medium- and long-term loans for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with at least 40% of ADB’s funding dedicated to women-owned businesses. The proceeds will be channeled through HDBank’s sustainable finance framework to improve credit access for underserved enterprises and promote more inclusive economic development.
“Strengthening access to finance for MSMEs, particularly women-owned businesses, is essential for inclusive and resilient growth in Vietnam,” said Shantanu Chakraborty, ADB Country Director for Vietnam on July 7.
HDBank Chief Executive Officer Nguyen Huu Dang said the partnership would enable the bank to expand financing for small businesses while reinforcing its long-term commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
MSMEs are the backbone of Vietnam’s economy, accounting for more than 97% of registered enterprises, contributing around 40% of gross domestic product, and employing approximately 36% of the national workforce. Despite their economic importance, many smaller businesses continue to face obstacles in accessing formal financing due to limited collateral, short credit histories, and higher perceived lending risks.
Women-owned enterprises remain among the most underserved borrowers, making targeted financing increasingly important as Vietnam seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship, stimulate private-sector investment, and ensure that economic growth is shared more broadly.
Beyond the financing package, ADB will provide technical assistance to help HDBank develop tailored financial products, strengthen sustainable lending practices, and expand financial inclusion for underserved businesses across the country.
The agreement highlights Vietnam’s continued ability to attract international capital through partnerships between multilateral development institutions and private lenders.
With MSMEs contributing around 40% of national GDP and representing more than 97% of registered businesses, expanding access to long-term financing is expected to reinforce one of the country’s most important engines of economic growth. (AT Network)
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