Vietnam among ANZ’s key markets: exec

Vietnam is one of ANZ's most important markets with promising growth potential, said the bank’s CEO Shayne Elliott.

At a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai in Hanoi on Wednesday, the exec revealed that his bank is supporting many high-tech manufacturers in the Southeast Asian country.

"Many foreign investors are interested in joining green transformation in Vietnam," Elliott said, expressing his wish to contribute to this process.

He asserted that ANZ, which was one of the first foreign banks licensed in Vietnam (in 1993) and the first bank to install ATMs in the country (in 2000), stands ready to support major Vietnamese enterprises to conquer the world market.

The CEO’s statements were in response to Khai’s suggestions that ANZ invest in high tech, green transition, clean energy, and renewable energy in Vietnam.

The deputy prime minister also called on the bank to attract reputable investors to Vietnam, and share its governance experience with the Vietnamese banking system.

Khai noted that the strategic partnerships between Vietnam and Australia and New Zealand are deepening in many fields, with economic-trade-financial cooperation having made remarkable progress.

He said he hoped ANZ will contribute to those thriving relations by making investments that align with joint statements issued by the leaders of Australia and New Zealand during their Vietnam visits.

Khai suggested the bank share its experience in governance and digital transformation in the banking sector, foreign exchange services, trade-finance, and cash flow management, and help businesses access low-cost loans.

The deputy prime minister also asked ANZ to continue providing capital for green growth and green finance to accompany Vietnam in achieving its goals in these realms.