The current visit to Vietnam by the Queen of the Netherlands is an opportunity for both countries to share their strategic vision on the promulgation and enforcement of financial policies, said Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue.

Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue shakes hands with Queen of the Netherlands Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti

He made the remark at a reception for Queen Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti, who is also the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, in Hanoi on June 1.

Praising significant progress Vietnam has made in poverty alleviation, Queen Máxima said during the visit, she has discussed with different Vietnamese agencies strategic issues related to inclusive finance, with a focus on microcredit policies and assistance towards the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The high rate of mobile phone users in Vietnam is a favourable technological condition for the country to increase its capacity in running the system for low-income and underserved people, she added.

Agreeing with his guest, the Deputy PM said Vietnam has carried out a range of inclusive-finance-related policies in helping farmers, SMEs and students access bank loans.

Vietnam, however, still needs to build a national strategy on inclusive finance, Hue noted.

At the same time, the Deputy PM expressed his concern about the risk that inclusive finance may weaken motivation for working among people and businesses and asked the Netherlands to share its experience on the issue with Vietnam.

VNA