Vietnam's banking and economic sectors are currently demonstrating signs of growth and resilience, highlighted by recent activities from BIDV (Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam), as well as shifts within the country's stock market and import statistics.
Recently, BIDV successfully raised capital through the issuance of approximately 123.84 million shares priced at 38,800 VND per share. This move garnered 4,752 billion VND (about 200 million USD) and elevated the bank's charter capital to over 70 trillion VND, up from 68.975 trillion VND. This achievement signifies BIDV's strong commitment to enhancing its financial stability and supporting its growth strategies. A representative from the bank stated, "BIDV's capital raised from this issuance is significant for our growth strategy."
The strategic move drew the attention of both foreign and domestic investors, with the majority of shares (85.2 million) allocated to foreign economic organizations. Notable participants included Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited and Hanoi Investments Holdings Limited. BIDV reported impressive financial results for 2024, achieving pre-tax profit of 30,006 billion VND (approximately 1.1 billion USD), reflecting a 12.4% increase from the previous year. Key performance indicators such as return on assets (ROA) at 1.02% and return on equity (ROE) at 19.09% were maintained, alongside the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 8.6%.
On the broader economic front, Vietnam's chemical import statistics present varied trends. Chemicals imported from China, accounting for 45.7% of the total chemical imports, saw a significant decline of 19.9% compared to December 2024, and 14% year-on-year, amounting to 246.87 million USD. The U.S. remained the second-largest supplier, with nearly 40.25 million USD, reflecting growth of 31.5% from the previous month, but still down 24% year-on-year. Taiwan's exports to Vietnam also decreased, contributing to the overall drop.
The import dynamics signify shifts within the market as economic activities adjust. Nguyen Duc Lenh, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City branch of the State Bank of Vietnam, mentioned the importance of monitoring these trends, stating, "The decline indicates market adjustments, but some sectors are still seeing growth." This sentiment reflects the mixed results across various import markets and the need for businesses to adapt to changing conditions.
Meanwhile, Vietnam's stock market has also been showcasing resilience. On March 3, 2025, the VN-Index hovered around the 1,300-point mark, bolstered by strong performances from companies within the Vingroup portfolio. Stocks such as Vinhomes (VHM), Vingroup Real Estate (VRE), and Vincom Retail (VIC) marked increases, advancing by 3.28%, 1.72%, and 2.06%, respectively. The trading session noted overall activity, with the VN-Index finishing up by 4.01 points (0.31%) to close at 1,309.37 points. The market saw enhanced liquidity, with transaction volumes nearing 21.2 trillion VND, illustrating investor confidence amid fluctuated sentiments.
Nonetheless, foreign investors continued their sell-off trend on the HOSE, marking the eighth consecutive session of net sales, amounting to over 384 billion VND. The most sold stocks included TPBank (TPB) and FPT Corporation, indicating cautious sentiments among foreign investors.
On another note, real estate credit continues to climb, driven by both personal and commercial demands. At the end of 2024, total real estate credit reached 1.085 million billion VND, making up 27.5% of the total lending and marking a 12.3% increase from 2023. Most loans were directed toward individual needs like buying homes, which accounted for 66.6% of total real estate lending. Simultaneously, loans for infrastructure development saw remarkable growth as the sector expands. The lending for industrial zone infrastructure rose to 55 trillion VND, representing 5% of real estate credit with substantial year-on-year growth.
Vietnam's economic indicators reflect both opportunities and challenges as sectors adjust to market dynamics. The banking sector's capital strategies, stock market activities, and import statistics depict lively movements within the economy. There is cautious optimism surrounding growth prospects, particularly with real estate credit gradually recovering, signaling potential for future economic resilience.
Overall, as Vietnam navigates these transitions, the foundation for sustainable growth appears to be solidifying with each of these sectors demonstrating their unique trajectories, underlining the nation's underlying economic strength.