HANOI, Vietnam, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The French Development Finance Institution (Proparco) and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) have signed a loan agreement worth US$80 million, of which each party invest US$40 million, with Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank, stock code: SSB).
The funding strengthens SeABank's financial capacity to enhance financial access, improve capacities and expand key business areas for Vietnamese SMEs and women-owned enterprises; while improving the implementation of international practices in E&S risk management and climate change mitigation.
This also marks the beginning of a partnership focused on economic growth and financial inclusion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Le Van Tan - Chairman of the BOD (SeABank) highlighted SeABank's customer-centric commitment to guaranteeing equal financial access for all individuals and businesses, and emphasized: "The investment aligns with SeABank's sustainability strategy and enhances SeABank's ability to offer effective financial solutions, support SMEs, women-owned entrepreneurs, and climate action".
Mr. Olivier Brochet - French Ambassador to Vietnam expressed his support for Proparco's meaningful activities in the Vietnamese market, and shared: "As the Vietnam-France relationship has been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we remain committed to supporting Vietnam's development. This cooperation is in line with our strategic direction and the common commitments at the G7 Summit 2024, particularly aims to address challenges of the new era through ecosystem protection and SMEs, women-owned entrepreneurs support".
Mr. Kees van Baar - Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam highlighted the Netherlands' role as Vietnam's largest European investor and trading partner, found common strengths in water resources, and shared development objectives of driving growth in Vietnam focusing on SMEs and women-owned enterprises. Mr. Kees van Baar emphasized the reason for choosing SeABank as partner: "SeABank has a clear strategic vision in providing financial solutions that support private enterprises, SMEs, and women-owned enterprises; along with international reputation and network to implement these initiatives. I believe that FMO and Dutch enterprises, together with SeABank and its ecosystem partners will have cooperative opportunities in the near future".
With this investment, SeABank's total international mobilization has reached nearly US$1.1 billion. This includes loans, credits, and trade finance from major financial institutions such as DFC, IFC, AIIB, Norfund, and OPEC Fund, etc. The growing trust from global partners demonstrates SeABank's strong reputation, operational efficiency, and commitment to supporting SMEs and women-owned enterprises.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
SeABank receives investment of US$80 million from Proparco and FMO - the French and Dutch government-owned financial institutions
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SINGAPORE, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has introduced the Booking Form Bot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to answer travelers' booking-related questions at the final stage of the booking journey. The new tool aims to help travelers answer last-minute questions and complete their reservations with ease and confidence.
Internal research by Agoda found that 28% of users navigate back to the property page from the booking page to re-check trip details. Customer research revealed that the main reasons to pause or exit the booking journey are questions about promo codes, cancellation policies, and price discrepancies. The Booking Form Bot addresses this by providing instant, context-aware answers to questions such as "Can I cancel for free?" "Does this booking qualify for cashback?", etc.
Building on the success of Agoda's Property AMA Bot, which answers over 30,000 hotel-related questions daily, the Booking Form Bot extends this capability to the checkout experience. The bot automatically understands the user's booking session, including the selected property, room type, rate plan, and associated terms, allowing it to deliver accurate, personalized responses without requiring users to repeat details or leave the page.
Users can access the Booking Form Bot by tapping the chat icon on the booking form page, available through the Agoda app and mobile browser.
Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda, shared, "Helping travelers stay informed at every step of their journey is central to building trust in our platform. At the booking stage, last-minute questions often arise around cancellation options or payment terms. The Booking Form Bot provides instant answers right when travelers need them, helping them book with confidence.
With the launch of the Booking Form Bot, Agoda continues to invest in AI-powered tools that make travel planning simpler, faster, and more intuitive for millions of travelers worldwide.
Explore Agoda's offerings, including over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all in one booking. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals.
SINGAPORE, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has introduced the Booking Form Bot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to answer travelers' booking-related questions at the final stage of the booking journey. The new tool aims to help travelers answer last-minute questions and complete their reservations with ease and confidence.
Internal research by Agoda found that 28% of users navigate back to the property page from the booking page to re-check trip details. Customer research revealed that the main reasons to pause or exit the booking journey are questions about promo codes, cancellation policies, and price discrepancies. The Booking Form Bot addresses this by providing instant, context-aware answers to questions such as "Can I cancel for free?" "Does this booking qualify for cashback?", etc.
Building on the success of Agoda's Property AMA Bot, which answers over 30,000 hotel-related questions daily, the Booking Form Bot extends this capability to the checkout experience. The bot automatically understands the user's booking session, including the selected property, room type, rate plan, and associated terms, allowing it to deliver accurate, personalized responses without requiring users to repeat details or leave the page.
Users can access the Booking Form Bot by tapping the chat icon on the booking form page, available through the Agoda app and mobile browser.
Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda, shared, "Helping travelers stay informed at every step of their journey is central to building trust in our platform. At the booking stage, last-minute questions often arise around cancellation options or payment terms. The Booking Form Bot provides instant answers right when travelers need them, helping them book with confidence.
With the launch of the Booking Form Bot, Agoda continues to invest in AI-powered tools that make travel planning simpler, faster, and more intuitive for millions of travelers worldwide.
Explore Agoda's offerings, including over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all in one booking. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Launches AI-Powered Booking Bot to Help Travelers Book with Confidence
