HO CHI MINH CITY : Bangkok Bank Plc (BBL), Thailand's leading commercial bank, has won a licence extension to continue its branch operation in Vietnam for another 99 years.
The 99-year licence shows Vietnam’s confidence in Bangkok Bank, says Mr Tharabodee.
BBL's existing 20-year licence in Vietnam expires at year-end, and the new licence is the longest ever given to a foreign bank, said Tharabodee Serng-Adichaiwit, the general manager of BBL's Vietnamese operations.
"The 99-year licence reflects the strong confidence of the State Bank of Vietnam in BBL," he said.
The new licence lets the Thai bank operate its branches in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi until 2111.
BBL set up shop in Vietnam in 1961 but left in 1975 amid upheaval from the war. It returned in 1992 with a branch in Ho Chi Minh City, followed by one in Hanoi two years later.
BBL has supported more than 100 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects looking to set up in Vietnam.
Mr Tharabodee said the bank expects annual credit growth of 10%, with credit lines at both branches hitting 20 billion baht this year.
Vietnam's market is crowded with 93 banks including five state-owned banks, 39 joint stock commercial banks and 39 foreign branches.
To maintain steady growth, BBL will focus on loans for medium-sized and large businesses with high potential to invest in Vietnam.
Of the bank's lending, 40% goes to Thai projects, 30% to Taiwanese investors and the rest to Vietnamese projects.
Mr Tharabodee wants Thai investors to relocate plants to Vietnam to enjoy the lower labour costs.
Vietnam's minimum wage remains small at US$100 a month in the provinces and $135 a month at industrial estates near Ho Chi Minh City.
Thai trademarks and merchandise have a good reputation in Vietnam, while travel between the two countries is quick and convenient.
Vietnam's central bank forecasts economic growth of 5.5% to 6.5% this year and next, respectively, with inflation of 8-10%. Economic growth in 2010 and 2011 was 6.8% and 6%, respectively, with inflation of 11.8% and 18.1%.
Mr Tharabodee said each province has attracted investors by offering a one-stop service.
Investors can receive permission and start building a factory in less than three months.
As of Aug 20, Thai investment in Vietnam totalled 289 projects with $5.92 billion in registered capital.
Vietnam reported FDI of $11 billion in 2010 and 2011, while the total in the first eight months this year was $7.28 billion.
Exports are also upbeat, totalling $76.6 billion in 2010 and $96.3 billion last year.
Forecasts call for $109 billion this year and $120 billion next year.
Vietnam's strong points include political stability and a young population (50-60% below age 30). Rich natural resources such as oil are another plus.
Also, 4.5 million Vietnamese living abroad transfer money back home to the tune of $6-9 billion a year.
Weak points include vague laws and regulations, obsolete infrastructure, currency fluctuations and labour shortages in production hub areas.
