Businesses cannot access billion-dollar credit package from fearful banks

Since the food and beverage industry is severely affected by the pandemic, restaurant chain operator Chao Do (Red Wok) is struggling to borrow from the government-mandated package.

"We are suffering from severe financial damage, but to get the credit we had to provide collateral or prove a certain level of cash flows, which are very difficult for businesses at this time," a company spokesperson said.

Other businesses in the food and beverage industry also said since their outlets are closed, their revenues have fallen sharply and therefore they cannot prove their solvency to banks.

The government ordered banks to provide VND300 trillion ($12.9 billion) worth of credit at low interest rates to businesses affected by the pandemic, but banks fear they will not get the money back after the pandemic is over.

More than 10 banks are committed to lending at interest rates reduced by 0.5-2.5 percentage points. As of April 10 almost VND126 trillion ($5.4 billion), or 42 percent of the amount, has been lent to 6,500 borrowers, according to the State Bank of Vietnam.

A fashion business owner in Hanoi has been struggling to borrow because he mostly leases real estate and revenues are almost zero because his stores are closed.

"Credit package with low interest sounds attractive, but how many businesses in difficulty can access it?"

Nguyen Manh Hung, chairman of fruit grower and processor Nafoods, said after a bank recently rejected his application for a loan, he had to borrow from other sources at higher interest rates.

Chairman of tech giant FPT Truong Gia Binh said "the rich" are getting most of the credit because banks consider lending to smaller businesses risky since the pandemic situation remains unpredictable.

A recent report by the Ministry of Industry and Trade admitted that most businesses in manufacturing are struggling to access the credit.

The ministry said that the State Bank of Vietnam has let banks decide who to lend to. Since they are bound by their revenue and profit targets, they are wary of supporting businesses that are suffering.

Nguyen Quoc Hung, director of the central bank’s credit department, said banks cannot lend without conditions because they themselves are businesses and have to ensure debts are recovered.

A deputy director of a state-owned bank said banks are the ones to take all the risks since businesses could go under.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has urged the government to instruct banks to simplify credit conditions for affected businesses.

The owner of a food and beverage chain said: "Credit from banks is like ventilators; they become more important as business health deteriorates."