Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ho Chi Minh City continue to face challenges in securing bank loans, despite various preferential loan packages available. A survey conducted by the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA) revealed that 37% of businesses are struggling with capital shortages, and 59% of those surveyed called for improved access to credit and reduced interest rates.

Many SMEs are unable to repay existing debts or fund daily operations, forcing family-run businesses to take out consumer loans secured by personal assets. This trend has further intensified their capital constraints. Although the government and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) have introduced policies to support businesses, such as a 507 trillion VND credit support package, strict eligibility criteria, cumbersome procedures, and legal barriers have limited access to these funds.

HUBA has urged banks to lower the net interest margin (NIM) to 2.5%, to make credit more accessible for businesses. Additionally, HUBA has suggested developing alternative funding channels such as real estate-backed securities, corporate bond issuance, and encouraging foreign investments to ease the financial burden on businesses.