About Us

The Microfinance Program of World Vision Vietnam commenced operations as an economic development program of World Vision Vietnam in late 1990. However, initial credit and savings activities were implemented by the Women's Union as local key partners. In the context of Vietnam, all INGOs must be in partnership with the local authority to implement any program/ projects. 

In 2005, the Vietnam Government issued its first-ever Decree on the Organization and Operation of Microfinance Institutions. To ensure the legitimacy for MFU's operation, in 2008, WVV incorporated microfinance activities into its scope of work under its office permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In June 2017, a new decision governing the implementation of a microfinance program in Vietnam was issued. This new regulation allows World Vision Vietnam to continue its program by securing a registration certificate with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV). Micro-finance Unit applied for the certificate and is waiting for the certificate that will be sent in 2019.

Vietnam has transformed from one of the poorest countries in the world, with per capita income below $100, to a lower middle income country within a quarter of a century. It has achieved most and in some cases, surpassed a number of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly with the goals relating to poverty reduction, education and gender equality.

Vietnam has managed to improve its macroeconomic stability, with headline inflation falling from a peak of 23% in August 2011 to about 0.6% in 2015 and rising to about 3.0% in 2016 according to the World Bank. The Government is trying to reform its economy by restructuring public investment, state-owned enterprises, and the banking sector, yet the economy continues to face challenges from an undercapitalized banking sector and nonperforming loans.

Over the last few decades, Vietnam made remarkable progress in reducing poverty. The percentage of people living in poverty dropped from almost 60% in the 1990s to 10% in 2016 using new multidimensional poverty standard indicators. Yet development challenges and limitations remain for Vietnam. Poverty gains are fragile and a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas and among ethnic minorities, is vulnerable to falling back into poverty.

MFU has a total of 70 employees with around 10 employees in Head Office and 60 employees in 8 branches. 

 Our Management Team is composed of experienced and high profile members.

The Program Manager, Pham Thi Hong Tuyen, got a Bachelor in Finance and an MBA from CFVG (France). She has more than 13 working years of experience in the finance and banking sector with different positions like Branch Manager and Branch Director in large banks in Vietnam. She also has vast experience in development field working in International Non-Governmental Organization in Vietnam such as Anesvad, Caritas, Action Aid, and World Vision. Tuyen joined the Microfinance Program of World Vision Vietnam in June 2016 as Finance Manager and is currently appointed as National Program Manager.

• Citi– Vietnam 2016 Outstanding Microfinance Institution in the year 2012, 2014, 2016 
• Outstanding loan officer in the year 2008, 2012 
• Citi – Vietnam Achieving Micro entrepreneurs in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 
• Citi – Vietnam 2016 Micro entrepreneur of the Year, the highest individual title