MUFG’s gateway to the global business community

Takeshi Masuyama, MD, Regional head of Vietnam MUFG Bank, Ltd.

There is no doubt that the pandemic has presented many challenges, but we were able to rally together to support each other and build greater resilience in local communities.

MUFG marked 25 years of branch presence in Vietnam this year. During this time, we have cemented our reputation as one of the country’s leading foreign banks, well-regarded for its financial strength, commitment to the development of the local financial sector, and deep relationships with the government and business community.

As we look forward to 2022, we would like to reiterate our priorities as we continue to deepen our longstanding presence in Vietnam, and our commitment to empowering a brighter future for all our stakeholders in MUFG. This will be our unchanging purpose now and into the future.

A more sustainable future

MUFG’s commitment to sustainability is ironclad and our expertise and track record in ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) financing and renewables unrivalled. In line with MUFG’s sustainability mission, we have pledged a total of ¥35 trillion ($306.7 billion) into sustainability-related financing globally by 2030. We aim to achieve net zero emissions in our operations by the same year and finance portfolio by 2050.

MUFG is also proud to play a leading role in helping the global financial sector achieve sustainability as part of the Net Zero Banking Alliance. At the recent COP26 climate summit, Vietnam pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We look forward to extending our fullest support and experience in support of the government and our clients as we transition towards a more sustainable future.

Harness our network

We have long been privileged to have a strong global network bolstered by a well-established and enviable network of partner bank relationships in Asia-Pacific, allowing us to explore exciting collaborations and innovations in pursuit of mutual growth. This is a powerful competitive advantage for us.

In 2022 and early 2023, we will commemorate our 10th anniversary of our strategic partnership with VietinBank. This relationship marked MUFG’s first strategic investment in its regional network, and we were able to work closely to deepen our client relationships and contribute to many key pillars of the Vietnamese economy. We will continue to leverage this important partnership and the broader MUFG network to scale greater heights.

Bridging Vietnam and the world

In September, we were extremely honoured to receive an award from the Ministry of Planning and Investment for our contributions to the promotion of foreign investment in Vietnam. Our ongoing efforts to facilitate knowledge exchange and business flows between Japan and Vietnam are also well recognised by bodies such as the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam and the Vietnam Business Forum.

Over the years, we have also promoted Vietnam to multinational corporates and investors, having successfully hosted various Vietnamese governmental and business delegations in Tokyo. As we move into the post-pandemic era, MUFG’s commitment to serve as a gateway between Vietnam and the rest of Asia and the global business community remains undiminished.

Serving the community

The last two years have further reminded us of the importance of our social mission. Over the course of the pandemic, we have further extended our hand in friendship to the community, through initiatives such as offering financial aid to Vietnamese students in Japan and funds in support of the government’s national vaccination programme. We firmly believe that when companies stand together with their local communities, there is no obstacle that we cannot overcome.

The pandemic situation continues to remain fluid. Nonetheless, we are confident that we will enter the New Year better prepared to accelerate the development of the economy. Likewise, MUFG stands ready to support Vietnam’s growth vision.

On behalf of all of us at MUFG, I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and peaceful new year.