Journey for sustainable development and prosperity of the Mekong Delta

Exactly a decade ago, when the Agribank Representative Office (RO) in the Southwest region was officially established (May 14, 2015). The then young organizational model has now become a solid "extension" of Agribank in one of the key socio-economic regions of the country. A dedicated and persistent journey marked by impressive figures, silent but practical contributions to the banking industry and to the entire Mekong Delta region.

Báo Cần Thơ•15/05/2025

Laying the initial foundation

Opening of Agribank Representative Office in the Southwest region on May 14, 2015.

With a total area of 40,921.7 km² and a population of nearly 17.8 million people, the Mekong Delta holds a strategic position in socio-economic development, national security and defense, and especially its strength in agriculture. Every year, this region contributes over 24.2 million tons of rice (55.4% of the country's output), 4.3 million tons of fruit (60%) and 4.79 million tons of aquatic products (55.7%). This is a land of great potential, a large raw material area for processing and export, contributing to ensuring food security and bringing in significant foreign currency for the country.

With the mission of developing "agriculture, rural areas", Agribank is always a pioneer in implementing credit policies serving agriculture and rural areas, becoming a trusted companion of businesses and people.

Right from the first day of establishment, Agribank General Director, Mr. Tiet Van Thanh, clearly directed the assignment of tasks, appropriate personnel arrangement, review and expansion of effective operating network. He requested the Southwest Office to be the focal point for coordination, support for the Branch, maintain relationships with local authorities, and contribute to the effective implementation of Agribank's strategic tasks.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Ton, Head of Agribank Southwest Representative Office (2015-2019 period).

Recalling the early days of establishment, Mr. Tran Ngoc Ton, Head of Agribank Southwest Representative Office (2015-2019) shared: "Everything was new. But the most valuable thing was the spirit of solidarity and the desire to contribute of the staff that created a solid foundation. We worked with all our heart to affirm our role as an effective bridge between the Head Office and the branch system in the region".

From an initial organization with simple facilities, an incomplete apparatus and only 22 staff, the Office has gradually built internal regulations, closely linked with the branch system, proactively advised, supported direction, operation, inspection and supervision. From only 22 staff and 5 specialized departments, the Southwest Office now has 47 staff, organized into 4 departments more suitable for modern operational requirements. The maturity and outstanding development of the Office is not only reflected in the scale of the organization but also clearly demonstrated through impressive figures on operational efficiency. After 10 years, the Agribank Representative Office in the Southwest region (TNB Office) currently has 307 transaction points (including 13 mobile transaction vehicles), 569 ATMs, 1,583 POS machines and a team of nearly 5,600 staff, accounting for more than 13% of the entire system's personnel. Total outstanding debt reached over VND 271,921 billion, nearly 3 times higher than the time of establishment; total mobilized capital also increased 2.75 times. In particular, the bad debt ratio decreased 3.16 times, clearly reflecting the effectiveness of risk control - one of the focuses that TNB's VP undertakes, under the authorization of the Head Office.

"Engage, support, check" - three strong pillars

Staff and employees of Agribank Representative Office in the Southwest region.

Acting as a bridge between the Head Office and the regional branch system, the Office always stands side by side with the grassroots units. Not only supporting the implementation of key projects, the TNB Office also undertakes internal inspection and supervision with a high sense of responsibility.

Every year, dozens of inspections are carried out, promptly detecting, warning and handling errors. Monitoring does not stop at risk control, but also supports branches in "improving from within", helping the system operate more effectively, transparently and in the right direction.

Not only focusing on professional activities, TNB Office pays special attention to communication work - considering it a tool to connect customers and spread brand values. Training courses on writing, photography, and digital communication skills are held regularly, not only for the communication team but also for professional staff, so that each person becomes a "Brand Ambassador" of Agribank.

Along with that are professional competitions, periodic inspections, sending staff for training, creating a solid foundation to build an elite team, ready to adapt to the requirements of innovation and competition in the banking sector.

Notably, TNB Office has connected with press/radio agencies/Can Tho City Journalists Association to organize training programs, share experiences on "News writing skills, articles and basic photography techniques"; or train to improve communication work on digital platforms, social networks for communication staff at branches. This cooperation has contributed to strongly spreading the image of Agribank through many topics, reports, newsletters... recording the practical activities and imprints for the community of Agribank.

In addition, the Office also cooperates with central and local press agencies to organize the production of many communication programs about the unit's activities, contributing to enhancing the image and brand of Agribank.

Journey for the community - responsibility goes hand in hand with mission

Over the past 10 years, the Branches in the Southwest region have contributed more than 755 billion VND to social security activities. From charity houses, schools, medical stations to scholarships, ambulances or rural bridges - all are "silent dots" but full of love on the journey of sustainable development with the community.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Hai (left cover), Head of Agribank Representative Office in the Southwest region (2019-2022 period) received the 30-year Party membership badge.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Hai, Head of Agribank Representative Office in the Southwest Region (2019-2022 period) shared: "Looking back at the 10-year journey of the Office, I feel proud to have contributed a small part in a development journey with many imprints. The 2019-2022 period, when I took on the role of Head of the Office, had many challenges. In particular, from the COVID-19 pandemic, the macro economy was affected, requiring Agirbank to innovate the operating model of the entire system. In that context, the Office has made efforts, closely following the instructions of the Board of Members and the General Director, maximizing the role of connecting, supporting, inspecting and supervising branches".

Mr. Tran Van Tro (second from left), Deputy Head of Agribank Representative Office in the Southwest region (2019-2023 period) supports the work of preventing and fighting the COVID-19 epidemic.

One of the major orientations of TNB Office at that time was to enhance coordination efficiency, especially between the Office and branches in the region, in the spirit of substantial support and companionship in all activities.

The joint efforts of leaders at all levels, people, units and businesses have helped the Mekong Delta region to rise in many aspects. By the end of 2024, the GRDP growth of the whole region reached 7.31%, higher than the national average (about 7%), ranking 3rd out of 6 economic regions.

10 years is not a long time in the journey of developing an organization, but it is enough to demonstrate an effective operating model, enough to build a solid foundation. And most importantly, enough to build a united, courageous and constantly improving collective.

On the next journey, in the context that the banking industry in general and Agribank in particular are facing many new challenges from digital transformation, market fluctuations and increasing demands from customers, TNB Office will continue to be an important support, not only supporting and supervising but also creating value and connecting trust.

10 years - a journey that is both solid and emotional. And that journey will certainly continue with more steady steps, greater aspirations and a more proactive mindset to spread the image of Agribank more and more, closely attached to the homeland of the Southwest.

Mr. Tran Van Soul (left cover), Deputy Head of Agribank Representative Office in the Southwest Region (2018-2023 period) presented social security.

Mr. Nguyen Van Son (left cover), Deputy Head of Agribank Representative Office in the Southwest region (2015-2021 period) presented social security.