Standard Chartered Bank signs USD70m structured trade finance facility agreement with An Giang Plant Protection Joint Stock Company
Published: January 17, 2014
First foreign bank to support the development of the big paddy field model
Ho Chi Minh City – Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam today signed a USD70m structured trade finance facility agreement to provide An Giang Plant Protection Joint Stock Company (AGPPS) with short to medium term working capital. This agreement will allow AGPPS to develop its big paddy field model in the Mekong Delta.
AGPPS’ big paddy field model, an integrated rice production chain, has been deployed for more than three years, wherein the company purchases rice paddies from farmers using its products and, in turn, appoints agricultural engineers to provide technical assistance to those farmers. This helps to raise the overall quality of the product, offering better returns for improved financial security as well as eliminating value leakage through intermediaries.
Huynh Van Thon, Board Chairman and General Director of AGPPS said: “Standard Chartered’s innovative and tailor-made products for agriculture allow us to further the success of the big paddy field model. I believe, with the support of a leading international bank like Standard Chartered and our experience in agribusiness, we will continue to bring more value to the local rice industry and provide more benefits to the farmers.”
Nirukt Sapru, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank - Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos said: “We are proud to be the first foreign Bank to support the development of the big paddy model in Vietnam through this pioneer cooperation with AGPPS. We are encouraged by the way AGPPS is supporting the development of the rice industry from which millions of Vietnamese rice growers will benefit. This alliance will allow us to leverage our suite of capabilities and structuring expertise to meet our client needs.
We hope that the long-term partnership with AGPPS will help us contribute to the sustainable growth of the agriculture sector and play a part in the nation’s development, demonstrating our brand promise - Here for good.
The signing marks a milestone for the relationship between Standard Chartered and AGPPS, driving forward the successful agriculture model in Vietnam. It also demonstrates the business capacity of AGGPS, and affirms Standard Chartered’s leadership position in structured trade finance in Vietnam.”