Preferential loan interest rates
Analyzing at the Bank Credit Promotion Conference, contributing to promoting economic growth in Region 14 held in Can Tho on March 25, Hoang Minh Nhat Joint Stock Company (operating in the field of rice, agricultural and forestry products, food and beverage in Can Tho City) said that in the past time, the unit has been very excited when the State Bank has had both specific and active activities, thereby having appropriate policies for businesses.
However, businesses mainly operate based on raw materials and inventories, while banks still prioritize collateral assets such as real estate. If banks do not have flexible policies but strictly apply this criterion, businesses will have difficulty borrowing capital, especially businesses that need large sums of capital.
We propose to have more short-term credit packages with preferential interest rates (USD/VND) to support reducing financial costs and improving business efficiency, Mr. Nguyen Van Nhut - Director of Hoang Minh Nhut Joint Stock Company - proposed.
Regarding the characteristics of the rice industry, Mr. Nhut proposed that commercial banks consider the possibility of strengthening the unsecured lending policy (low-guarantee assets at a rate of 10-20% and appropriate interest rates from 2-4%/year - no need for complete interest support).
This policy only needs to be applied during the peak rice harvest period and based on the results of the capacity assessment and business history of each enterprise to have appropriate funding programs for business groups; have flexible policy mechanisms to support businesses in using proactive loans without controlling credit rooms.
Mr. Le Thanh Tiep - Director of Cadico Joint Stock Company - said that businesses have difficulty accessing credit capital, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, due to complicated loan procedures, requirements for documents and mortgaged assets. Loan interest rates are still a burden, although there is support in some stages, interest rates are still high compared to the financial and business capacity of enterprises. Some businesses need capital to expand production, but it is difficult to borrow enough, or difficult to borrow long-term.
Therefore, the unit recommends that the banking industry simplify loan procedures, reduce mortgage property requirements for businesses with feasible business plans, reduce loan interest rates, extend loan terms, etc.
Promoting special credit policies
According to experts, in the face of unpredictable climate change, especially in the past 5 years, businesses in the Mekong Delta have higher resilience than other regions. In the region, although the number of established enterprises is lower than the national average, the number of dissolved enterprises is also lower.
Many businesses in the region, when facing difficulties, cannot quickly sell their assets to pay off debts, take the remaining capital to rebuild businesses, or establish new businesses. Because selling assets did not have time to repay bank debts, the interest arose to increase.
Regarding this issue, Ms. Ma Thi Thanh - Vice President of the Soc Trang Provincial Business Association - said that the State Bank and commercial banks need to consider increasing capital for small and medium-sized enterprise support packages; reducing interest rates for loans from 9-12%/year (increasing) to 6.5 - 7%/year to be more reasonable, reducing interest for businesses.
Governor of the State Bank Nguyen Thi Hong said that to promote credit growth in region 14 (including 5 provinces: Can Tho, Hau Giang, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Vinh Long), the State Bank will continue to synchronously implement solutions on monetary and credit policy management. In particular, the banking industry will promote the implementation of specific credit programs and policies of the Mekong Delta region, continuing to create favorable conditions for people and businesses to access bank credit capital.
