Vietnam is moving towards a more inclusive financial sector, demonstrated through the Government of Vietnam’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy, a more pro-poor regulatory environment, and greater prevalence of digital banking solutions. However, there are still challenges, especially for women and their businesses, who often lack access to loans and financial services. This limits their ability to save, borrow, invest, or transfer money.

The business case for ensuring greater financial inclusion, particularly for women, has grown stronger. Pilot programs supported by GREAT in the first phase with non-collateral lending for women in agriculture and tourism have shown success and potential for upscaling.

With a growing understanding of the barriers to financial inclusion, on both the demand and supply side, GREAT will continue to work with VietED Center, state-owned banks (such as Vietnam Bank for Social Policies and Agribank), other financial institutions and Women’s Union to build and strengthen financial inclusion across its work in the agriculture and tourism sectors in Lao Cai and Son La Provinces.