Banking Reform in the Lower Mekong Countries

Author/Editor:

Olaf Unteroberdoerster

Publication Date:

September 1, 2004

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Policy Dicussion Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper reviews recent banking reform efforts in the lower Mekong countries (LMCs), comprising Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Vietnam. Linked by close economic and cultural ties, the three LMCs face the dual challenge of economic development and transition to market-based economies. Two-tier banking systems were formally introduced in the late 1980s. However, state-owned banks with weak balance sheets continue to dominate the banking systems of Vietnam and Lao P.D.R. Cambodia's main challenge is to reconstruct a banking system after decades of civil strife. Based on progress made and brief cross-country comparisons, the paper identifies key challenges and options for further reform.

Series:

Policy Discussion Paper No. 2004/005

Subject:

Banking Commercial banks Credit Financial institutions Financial regulation and supervision Foreign banks Loan classification Money Nonperforming loans

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 2004

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451972870/1564-5193

Stock No:

PPIEA0052004

Pages:

26

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