The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BIDV) have signed a $250 million syndicated finance package to support sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture and expand access to finance for women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs) in Viet Nam. The package includes $100 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources, $20 million from the Canadian Climate and Nature Fund for the Private Sector in Asia (CANPA), a $50 million syndicated parallel loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and an $80 million syndicated commercial parallel loan from Cathay United Bank, CTBC Bank Singapore Branch, and Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank. ADB served as the mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, structuring and mobilizing private capital into Viet Nam’s SME sector.
Shantanu Chakraborty, ADB Country Director for Viet Nam, highlighted that the project is a significant milestone in promoting climate-smart and inclusive growth in Viet Nam’s agriculture sector. By blending concessional and commercial capital with technical assistance, the initiative will strengthen BIDV’s capacity to serve farmers and agribusinesses, particularly women entrepreneurs, while supporting Viet Nam’s transition toward a green and resilient economy.
Agriculture is a critical sector in Viet Nam, employing approximately 45% of the labor force, yet it faces challenges from fragmented production, limited technology adoption, and growing climate risks. To achieve its goal of becoming a top 15 global agricultural exporter by 2030, Viet Nam will require nearly $100 billion in investment to enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions, and maintain competitiveness.
The financing facility will provide sub-loans to agribusinesses engaged in sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and resource efficiency. It will also enable BIDV to develop new financial products that promote green and inclusive lending, improve credit assessment for agriculture, and expand rural access to finance for women-owned SMEs.
Pham Vu Thien Nga, BIDV Executive Vice President, emphasized that the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing Viet Nam’s development goals. Through the Medium and Long Term Facilities with ADB, JICA, and commercial lenders, along with CANPA funding, BIDV will strengthen support for sustainable agricultural models and increase financing access for women and rural business owners, contributing to inclusive and resilient economic growth.
The financing is complemented by technical assistance to enhance BIDV’s environmental and risk management capacity. This will strengthen the skills of BIDV staff and clients, including WSMEs, in identifying and investing in sustainable agriculture opportunities. The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) grant will support gender-responsive financial products, implement a sex-disaggregated management information system, and conduct a gender assessment of BIDV’s corporate policies and services.
CANPA, established in 2024 and managed by ADB, is supported by a Can$360 million commitment from the Government of Canada. The fund focuses on private-sector projects across Asia and the Pacific that promote climate and nature-based solutions while advancing gender equality.
Founded in 1957, BIDV is the largest bank in Viet Nam by total assets and is listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, with multiple subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint ventures. ADB, founded in 1966 and owned by 69 members, supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific through innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships.
