Citi commits to closer work with Vietnam on sovereign credit rating
The bank is also exploring financing solutions for Vietnam’s energy sector, while officials seek its help developing an international financial centre.
Citi has promised greater collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance to help improve its sovereign credit rating and international financial standing. It is separately looking for ways to finance energy-sector development, Ernesto Torres Cantú, the bank’s head of International, said at talks in Hanoi.
Meeting Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang, Cantú said Citi could help Vietnam pursue its growth goals, according to the Vietnamese government’s news portal. He described attracting international investors to Vietnam as the bank’s mission and said it was prepared to assist Vietnamese businesses entering overseas markets.
Thang reaffirmed Vietnam’s target for GDP to expand by an annual average of at least 10 per cent during 2026-2030, while preserving macroeconomic stability. He said achieving that ambition would require all available social resources, including financing from international financial institutions.
He requested Citi’s international expertise in digital transformation, international payments and sustainable business development, alongside cooperation with Vietnamese regulators. He also asked the bank to help develop the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang.
Thang asked Citi to relay Vietnam’s commitment to cooperation with the U.S. government as it seeks an early agreement on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade. He also invited a senior Citi delegation to the APEC CEO Summit when Vietnam hosts APEC 2027 and requested assistance with organising the event.
