Accessing bank loans had never been an easy thing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, things have become quite different -- banks have been trying to persuade SMEs to borrow money.

Nearly 200 businessmen with the “Nguyen” last name are now the presidents of listed companies. The businessmen with “Tran”, “Le”, “Pham”, “Do”, “Vu”, “Bui” take turns heading other enterprises.

The Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC), a powerful legal entity established to restructure the bad debts, would issue bonds to deal with the debts.

The government of Vietnam is considering lifting the ceiling foreign ownership ratio in Vietnamese banks in an effort to make Vietnamese banks more attractive in the eyes of foreign investors.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The 2013 outlook for Viet Nam's banking and finance sector remains "mixed" since the pace of planned reforms remains slow, according to a new report.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Struggling against weak efficiency and a heavy load bad debts, Vietnamese finance companies are finding ways to restructure.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, on Dec 18, advised HCM City to restructure the real estate sector towards removing weak and ineffective players and providing housing to meet real demand.

Small banks, which are the subjects to the compulsory restructuring in 2012, have geared up for their restructuring plans, when 2012 would finish in a couple of weeks.  

VietNamNet Bridge – The recent moves by commercial banks of lending more capital to estate projects have brought high hopes to investors. However, analysts say the “exit door” remains too narrow for them.

Not only commercial banks, but some enterprises have also set up the divisions in charge of collecting debts.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Ailing and merged banks are looking for strategic shareholders to help them restructure and deal with bad debts.