Vietnam

IMF dự báo Trung Quốc tăng trưởng 5% năm nay

VN Express | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedEconomic Growth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its forecast for China's economic growth in 2025 from 4.8% to 5%. For 2026, the IMF expects China’s growth to reach 4.5%, up from the previous forecast of 4.2%. The IMF highlighted China’s economic resilience despite various shocks in recent years but noted ongoing challenges such as a weakening property sector, high local government debt, and weak domestic demand.

The IMF emphasized the need for China to accelerate structural reforms and transition its economy from reliance on exports and investment toward a consumption-driven growth model. Although China recorded a trade surplus exceeding $1 trillion in the first 11 months of 2025, the IMF cautioned that dependence on exports is unsustainable amid rising global trade tensions.

Recommendations from the IMF include adopting more accommodative macroeconomic policies while reforming to reduce household saving rates, curbing inefficient investments, and eliminating unnecessary industrial support. They also called for strengthening the social safety net and supporting the adjustment process in the property sector. Beijing closely monitors IMF assessments, viewing them as important validation amid ongoing trade disputes.

Nhiều ngân hàng nâng lãi suất kỳ hạn ngắn lên kịch trần

VN Express | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedFinancial System Problems

In early December 2025, multiple banks raised their short-term savings interest rates to the maximum ceiling of 4.75% per year, as set by the State Bank, to attract deposits. Phuong Dong Bank (OCB) adjusted rates by 0.4% to 0.9%, offering 4.75% for deposits between 2 to 5 months with amounts of 500 million dong or more, and higher rates for longer terms. Sacombank increased rates by 0.3% to 0.5%, with 3 to under 6-month deposits reaching the 4.75% ceiling and 12-month deposits at 5.8%. Other banks such as Viet Capital Bank, National Citizen Bank (NCB), VIB, NamABank, MBV, and CIMB also implemented similar rate hikes for short-term deposits.

Year-end promotional campaigns offering additional interest, cash bonuses, and gifts have intensified competition among banks to attract deposits amid a peak lending season and rapid credit growth. According to Vietnam Prosperity Bank (VPBank), credit expansion is outpacing deposit growth, creating pressure on liquidity and interest rates. By November 2025, credit growth exceeded the 16% target, with nearly 70% directed to the services sector. VIS Rating identified heightened liquidity risk for smaller banks reliant on short-term market funds, as the sector’s loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) reached a five-year high of 111%, indicating ongoing liquidity pressures.

As saving interest rates rise, lending rates have also gradually increased by 0.5% to 1% compared to the previous month. Large banks have ceased subsidized low-cost housing loans, and some private banks are experiencing upward movement in floating loan interest rates. This reflects the broader tightening of credit conditions in response to the accelerated credit growth and liquidity challenges in the banking sector.

Hà Nội: Hộ nghèo sẽ được hỗ trợ 100% khi chuyển xe máy xăng sang xe điện?

Dantri | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedPolitical Policy Resistance

Hanoi is implementing comprehensive support policies to facilitate the transition from gasoline motorbikes to electric bikes, focusing on financial assistance for residents and businesses. Poor households converting to electric motorbikes will receive 100% support up to 20 million dong, near-poor households 80% up to 15 million dong, and most residents will get 20% support up to 5 million dong. Additionally, a 30% loan interest subsidy for up to 12 months is provided to reduce initial purchase costs. The city is collaborating with manufacturers and distributors to lower electric motorbike prices and offer incentives tailored to Hanoi’s market.

Businesses, including passenger and freight transport companies, will receive 30% loan interest support for up to five years and may access preferential loans from Hanoi’s Development Investment Fund and Environmental Protection Fund. The government will also cover 50% of registration fees for converted vehicles, with full coverage for poor and near-poor households and 100% fee support for taxis and buses keeping their existing license plates. Parking fees for green vehicles may be discounted, and companies renting public electric bicycles and motorbikes will be exempt from using roadway and sidewalk parking fees for up to five years.

In terms of infrastructure, Hanoi plans full support for investments in public clean-energy charging stations, including covering 30% of loan interest, 50% of land clearance costs, and waiving land rental fees for five years. Administrative procedures for investment approval will be streamlined to encourage development. These policies aim to ensure convenient access to charging facilities while assuring investors and facilitating a smoother, more feasible transition to green vehicles for residents and transport operators.