As development enters a new phase, financial inclusion is no longer limited to helping people access capital. It is increasingly about supporting sustainable development and enabling broader participation in the modern economy. As the leading state-owned commercial bank serving the “Tam nông” sector, Agribank continues to demonstrate its commitment to bringing financial resources, banking services and appropriate financial solutions closer to rural communities.

In the digital era, financial inclusion is being expanded through the integration of technology. While access to banking services once depended heavily on branch and transaction office networks, digital banking is now helping narrow geographical gaps. People in rural, remote and underserved areas can carry out a wide range of financial transactions directly through mobile phones and electronic devices.

Agribank has continuously promoted the development of digital banking services and cashless payments, contributing to broader access to financial services. Tens of millions of customers are using account services, money transfers and electronic payment solutions, while the proportion of transactions conducted through digital channels continues to increase. This not only reduces transaction costs and enhances convenience for users, but also improves transparency in financial activities, mitigates risks and supports the development of the rural digital economy.

Alongside digital transformation, financial inclusion is closely linked to the goals of green growth and sustainable development. As climate change increasingly affects agricultural production, directing capital toward environmentally friendly production models, resource-efficient practices and low-emission activities has become an essential requirement. Agribank has implemented a number of large-scale credit programs to support green agriculture, high-tech agriculture and value-chain-based production. These credit packages, valued at tens of trillions of Vietnamese dong, not only provide access to financing but also encourage the transformation of production methods.

Notably, Agribank’s participation in the implementation of the One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Project in the Mekong Delta highlights the Bank’s role in channeling capital into sectors with high added value and strong alignment with sustainable development trends. To date, Agribank’s outstanding green credit balance has exceeded VND 28 trillion, focusing on areas such as renewable energy, sustainable forestry and clean agriculture. This represents an important shift from simply providing capital to strategically directing capital, contributing to the development of a modern and sustainable agricultural model.

Beyond financing, Agribank works closely with local authorities and socio-political organizations to help people improve their capacity to use capital effectively. Through lending groups, cooperative programs and on-site advisory activities, local residents gain access not only to financing but also to guidance on production planning, cost management, product sales and distribution, and compliance with relevant regulations. As a result, capital is utilized more effectively in practice, contributing to improved livelihoods and reduced risks in production and business activities.

In the years ahead, accelerating digital transformation and diversifying products and services in a simple, accessible and customer-oriented manner will remain an important direction. At the same time, integrating green and sustainable development objectives into credit activities will help improve the quality of growth and align with broader economic development trends.

Financial inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing journey. Along that journey, sustained capital flows, timely policies and the dedication of those working closely with local communities continue to contribute to the transformation of rural Vietnam. From small loans to large-scale production models, and from households overcoming poverty to rural businesses expanding their operations, Agribank remains committed to creating more opportunities for people to prosper in their own communities, while promoting inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.

Kylie Nguyen