Continuing the series of events within the framework of the “Non-Cash Day” organized by the Payment Department of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) in coordination with the Tuoi Tre Newspaper, on June 16, 2020, the “Non-Cash Day” organizers held several activities related to the sticking of the identifying label for “Cashless Payment” at a number of shopping locations in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).
Attending the event, on the SBV’s side, there was Deputy Governor Nguyen Thi Hong, Mr. Pham Tien Dzung, Director General of the Payment Department, Ms. Le Thi Thuy Sen, Director General of the Communication Department. On the side of the Tuoi Tre Newspaper, there was Mr. Le The Chu, Editor-in-Chief. Besides, there were also representatives from HCMC Department of Industry and Trade, Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM), NAPAS, Visa, Sacombank.
“Noncash Payment” labels not only help consumers identify the stores that accept cashless payment but also reflects the commitment of retailers toward this new civilized means of payment in their daily life. Following the success in 2019, the series of events within the framework of the “Non-Cash Day 2020” are expected to contribute positively to realizing the objectives of the Scheme on Non-cash Payment Development; the Scheme on enhancing access to banking services; the Scheme on enhancing payments via banks for public services; and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy to 2025, vision to 2030.
Deputy Governor Nguyen Thi Hong sticking a “Non-Cash Payment” label at Truc Phuong kiosk in An Dong market
From the perspective of a retailer, Ms. Dao Thi Xuan Mai, owner of Truc Phuong kiosk, which sells dried foodstuff at An Dong market, said: “Many customers do not carry cash with them, and in these cases, I and my customers used to go to the bank to make a transfer, or the customer has to find an ATM to withdraw cash for payment, which was highly inconvenient. Many customers were willing to go to the bank to make the transfer, but others may refuse, and thus I lost those customers. Therefore, when the market management unit made an annoucement about POS installments and QR codes scanners, I agreed immediately because it helps me meet the needs of my customers, and I can sell more goods”.
Mr. Pham Tien Dzung, Director General of the Payment Department, is sticking a “Non-Cash Payment” label at the SFC gas station
According to Mr. Pham Hoang Vu (resident in District 3) who paid via POS at a gas station of Saigon Fuel Joint Stock Company (SFC) in Cach Mang Thang Tam Street (District 3, HCMC), "I find this means of payment very convenient and modern. I have tried it many times and will encourage my relatives to use it. However, having experienced it many times, I would like banks and payment service providers to reduce the processing time for payments, because at rush hours, the number of buyers at a gas station is very high, so if the time for processing one payment is long, some may feel embarassed to make other people to wait, and thus they will want to pay in cash to save the time”.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Dzung, Vice Chairman and Chief Representative of VECOM in the South, said: “The role of communication in promoting non-cash payments is of great importance. Without communication, it is impossible to expand our “Non-cash Payment” program”.
The “Non-Cash Day”, which was initiated by the Tuoi Tre Newspaper, has been celebrated since 2019. This is the day when all means of cashless payments are encouraged for shopping and payment transactions, and consumers can enjoy preferential policies from the credit institutions, intermediary payment service providers, retailers and other service providers.
There would be various activities within the framework of the “Non-Cash Day 2020”, such as “Vietnam Agricultural Produce Support Program” (between June 10-30, 2020), “Cashless Small Business Program” (from June 8-30, 2020), the Online Run Competition – Non-Cash Day” (June14-16, 2020), the Non-Cash Week (June 10-16, 2020), etc. Through these programs and events, people throughout the country will have opportunities to experience and understand more about the benefits of electronic payments.
Le Hang