Banks partner to drive local economy, prioritizing sustainable development.

Vietnam is pursuing green growth, and the banking system is increasingly directing capital toward key local projects, helping create new growth drivers aligned with sustainable development.

In recent years, the government has emphasized green and sustainable development, with local economies identified as a pillar of growth. Major strategies—including coherent infrastructure development, high-tech agriculture, clean energy, and eco-tourism—are being implemented through the participation of multiple economic actors.

Green credit and capital shift to priority sectors

According to the State Bank of Vietnam, system-wide green credit outstanding reached nearly 780,000 trillion dong in 2025. The portfolio is concentrated in high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure, while the growth rate of green credit remained in double digits, indicating a continued shift of capital to prioritized sectors.

Eco-tourism investment expands in 2025

Tourism and local government reports indicate that in 2025 there were over 350 medium- to large-scale eco-tourism and resort projects under development or in operation. This points to a strong reallocation of investment toward green tourism.

Investment is not limited to project scale. It also includes sustainable tourism models designed to minimize environmental impact and align with the circular economy and local livelihoods, aiming to generate long-term value rather than short-term expansion.

Banks move from lending to development partnership

As the economy undergoes deep transformation, credit institutions are increasingly acting as long-term development partners. Beyond providing funding, they offer advisory support and financial structuring to improve project feasibility, ensure timelines, and strengthen economic and social impact at the local level.

Orient Commercial Bank (OCB) supports green and circular initiatives

One example is Orient Commercial Bank (OCB). In 2025, the bank participated in financing the Phu My Industrial Park project and a high-end urban and resort real estate project in Quy Nhon city led by Phu Gia Group in Gia Lai.

OCB’s leadership said the bank is actively expanding the supply of capital and financial services for green and circular economy initiatives, including environmental and social risk management. The bank also supports procedures and approvals needed to scale up projects, linking its efforts to Vietnam’s Net Zero by 2050 goal and to developing Phu My Industrial Park into a green, modern, sustainable industrial ecosystem.

OCB is also working with Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group on clean agriculture projects. The bank applies advanced technologies through green finance solutions, long-term capital strategies, and ESG standards aligned with international norms. These initiatives are intended to raise the value of Vietnamese agricultural products and support sustainable exports, with projects focused on closed-loop production chains from cultivation and farming to processing—aiming to create stable local employment and drive structural economic shifts in the Central Highlands region.

Planned expansion and digitization

Looking ahead, OCB plans to expand partnerships with large enterprises to amplify regional development impact. In addition to financing projects, the bank intends to develop flexible credit packages to support individuals seeking to own property in these developments.

OCB also plans to digitize processes to shorten the path to capital for businesses and residents, particularly in areas with high potential. The bank said it will continue prioritizing green infrastructure, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, and circular economy models, while strengthening advisory capabilities and environmental and social risk management in line with international standards.

With these steps, OCB aims to sustain its contribution to a sustainable economy and long-term value for communities, supporting Vietnam’s green growth and its net-zero commitment by 2050.