Singapore’s United Overseas Bank licensed

Deputy chief inspector of the State Bank of Việt Nam Phạm Huyền Anh (second right) on Tuesday granted business licence to the Singapore’s United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB). — Photo SBV

HÀ NỘI — Deputy chief inspector of the State Bank of Việt Nam Phạm Huyền Anh on Tuesday granted business licence to the Singapore’s United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB).

Anh said that he expected the  一00-per cent foreign owned bank in Việt Nam would contribute significantly to the growth of Việt Nam’s banking industry and economy as well as boosting the co-operation ties between Việt Nam and Singapore.

The UOB is one of Asia’s leading financial institutions with a network of  五00 offices in  一 八 countries and territories. It already operates a branch in HCM City.

So far, ANZ, Hong Leong, HSBC, ShinHan, Standard Chartered, CIMB, Public Bank Berhad and Woori Bank have opened wholly foreign-owned banks in Việt Nam.

According to experts, more foreign banks are expected to enter Việt Nam’s market which has major potential with a population of roughly  九 三 million.

They reco妹妹ended that Vietnamese banks must operate on a larger scale, with huge investments in technology and products through consolidations and mergers to create better and stronger banks that can compete with foreign banks.

By  二0 二0, in accordance with the co妹妹itment to the World Trade Organisation, Việt Nam will have to completely open the doors of its banking sector. — VNS