IMGCAP(1)]
The State Bank of Vietnam, the country's central bank, reportedly has ruled that workers at export processing zones and industrial parks, along with retirees, are not required to have their salaries and pensions deposited into accounts that can be accessed by ATMs. Bank officials did not respond immediately to a CardLine Global request for comment about the report, which appeared in the Vietnam Bridge news service. Some workers, including state employees, must have their salaries deposited into bank accounts and use ATMs to withdraw the funds. This year, payment and government officials in Vietnam have debated whether to waive ATM-transaction fees for such workers (CardLine Global, 8 Aug.). In issuing its latest ruling, the bank reportedly responded to complaints about uneducated workers and retirees facing difficulties when using cash machines. The latest ruling comes as the number of ATMs increases in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has nearly 1,600 ATMs, an increase of about 25% over the last six months, the central bank says. Hanoi has about 1,150 ATMs, up 21% over the last six months.
