Latest figures from the central bank show that in late February the on-balance sheet non-performing ratio of the banking system stood at 2.91 per cent, an increase compared to 2.46 per cent in late 2016, 1.49 per cent in late 2021 and most recently, 2 per cent in late 2022. However, according to a State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) assessment, several sorts of debts have the potential to be turned into bad debts in the future, such as investment into corporate bonds for debt restructuring, hard-to-collect receivables, among others. “If such debts were considered, the non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio of the system might reach 5 per cent of total outstanding balances,” said SBV Governor Nguyen Thi Hong. One positive point is that credit institutions have been taking practical measures to ensure operational safety through boosting their loan loss reserve (LLR) funds for their bad debts . Accordingly, credit institutions have maintained a fairly high LLR ratio approximating … [Read more...] about How bad debts influence lending rates
How are corporate bond ratings determined
PV Power receives “BB” rating for third consecutive year
Workers at Nhon Trach 2 Plant. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung Fitch Ratings has affirmed PetroVietnam Power Corporation (PV Power)’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at “BB” with a positive outlook. This is the third consecutive year that PV Power has received “BB” rating with a positive outlook, the highest rating that a Vietnamese company can reach. The rating, which is based on PV Power's Standalone Credit Profile (SCP) assessment of “BB”, is on a par with the IDR of its 80 per cent parent, Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN, BB/Positive). PV Power's SCP is driven by its strong market position as Viet Nam's second-largest electricity producer, accounting for around 5 per cent of the country's total electricity output and 5 per cent of installed capacity in 2022. It also benefits from diversified fuel sources, long-term power-purchase agreements (PPAs) with Viet Nam Electricity (EVN, BB/Positive) for more than 80 per cent of its electricity output and a strong … [Read more...] about PV Power receives “BB” rating for third consecutive year
Ericsson retains top ranking in Global 5G network infrastructure market 2023 report
Ericsson has also gained important recognition for developing energy-efficient 5G RAN solutions that cater to customers’ needs. — Photo courtesy of the firm Ericsson has retained its top ranking in the Frost Radar™ 5G Network Infrastructure Market 2023 report for the third consecutive year. Maintaining the top ranking in the Frost Radar™ report over the past years has shown Ericsson’s consistent ability to scale its innovations and growth in the field, according to the yearly report from business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. It also reaffirms Ericsson’s leadership in the 5G network infrastructure market, which spans radio access networks (RAN), transport networks, and core networks. Ericsson has also gained important recognition for developing energy-efficient 5G RAN solutions that cater to customers’ needs. Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson, said: “It is rewarding to see our sustained efforts to increase the energy efficiency … [Read more...] about Ericsson retains top ranking in Global 5G network infrastructure market 2023 report
Vietnam’s market becomes ray of hope for South Korean semiconductor manufacturers
According to a recent report by the Bank of Korea (BOK), Vietnam is swiftly becoming a significant market for South Korean semiconductor makers, who have been grappling with lacklustre demand in China. As the rivalry between the United States and China intensifies, the BOK has emphasised the importance of diversifying export markets for industry giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The BOK underlines Vietnam's emergence as a new source of demand for South Korean semiconductors, highlighting its growing status as an international hub for IT device production and potentially positioning it as a substitute for China in the future. Major smartphone manufacturers have established production bases in Vietnam, where South Korean semiconductors play a crucial role as intermediary goods in the production of finished products, the report notes. Vietnam's abundant low-wage workforce and its proximity to the Chinese market are attracting global businesses, including South Korean … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s market becomes ray of hope for South Korean semiconductor manufacturers
HCM City seeks ways to attract more remittances
HCM City seeks ways to attract more remittances. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The southern largest economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City is striving to achieve an annual growth rate of at least 10% in the inflow of remittances during the 2023-2025 period and maintains this rate in 2025-2030. The information was heard at a seminar held in the city on May 29 by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs of HCM City, in coordination with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Branch in HCM City to seek comments and solutions of overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to effectively attract and optimise remittance resources in the city. Remittances to Ho Chi Minh City have always maintained a relatively high growth rate and play a crucial role in the city’s socio-economic development. (Photo: VNA) According to Nguyen Duc Lenh, Deputy Director of the SBV Branch in HCM City, remittances to the city have always maintained a relatively high growth rate and play a crucial role in … [Read more...] about HCM City seeks ways to attract more remittances