Sustainable Development: Survival Strategy of Vietnam's Business Community

(Chinhphu.vn) - On August 22 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Corporate Sustainability Forum (VCSF) 2025 opened with the theme "Sustainable Development in the New Era: Turning Aspiration into Action". The forum emphasized the central role of businesses in the journey of green, inclusive and prosperous development.

VCSF 2025 Forum opens with the theme "Sustainable development in the new era: Turning aspirations into actions" - Photo: VGP/HT

Enterprises play a central role in sustainable development

The 12th Vietnam Business Forum for Sustainable Development (VCSF) organized by the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) with the core being the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) took place in Hanoi on August 22. The event is considered the leading strategic dialogue platform on sustainable development in Vietnam, gathering many delegates from the Government, ministries, sectors, businesses and international organizations.

At the forum, Mr. Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of VCCI, likened the business community and entrepreneurs to "peacetime soldiers", accompanying the nation in developing the economy in an inclusive and sustainable manner, for an integrated and powerful Vietnam. He emphasized that VCSF is an annual forum that plays an important role in bringing policies and resolutions into life, contributing to perfecting institutions, enhancing national competitiveness, and creating a favorable investment environment.

Mr. Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of VCCI, speaks - Photo: VGP/HT

Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice President of VCCI, Chairman of VBCSD, emphasized that sustainable development is not only a social responsibility but must become a survival strategy of enterprises. After 15 years of establishment and development, VBCSD continues to promote communication, training, research, and international cooperation activities to encourage enterprises to be steadfast in sustainable and responsible business, joining hands to bring the country into an era of green and inclusive development.

Mr. Binu Jacob, General Director of Nestlé Vietnam and Co-Chairman of VBCSD, said that developing high-quality human resources is a key factor to promote sustainability. Nestlé has implemented many initiatives such as Nestlé Needs YOUth, the Nesternship program, and promoted the "3-party" cooperation model - the State, schools and enterprises, to link training with the needs of the labor market and technology. This is a practical action to realize the enterprise's commitment to sustainable development, while contributing to the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW.

From the perspective of domestic enterprises, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Giang, General Director of SABECO, emphasized that ESG has become an operating philosophy, a measure of value and success. Mr. Giang affirmed that in the context of an uncertain world, ESG helps businesses stay strong and at the same time ensures that no one is left behind. SABECO wishes to work with the Government, partners and the community to grow sustainably, enhance resilience after challenges, and create long-term value not only for the business but also for the country.

Policy orientation and international cooperation for sustainable development

Within the framework of the forum, delegates listened to many presentations and sharing from leaders of ministries, branches and international organizations, updating important orientations and policies for rapid and sustainable economic development in the spirit of Resolution 68 of the Politburo on private economic development.

The opinions focused on promoting the private economic sector, green transformation, climate change response and environmental protection. At the same time, international partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also shared many practical recommendations to promote public-private cooperation in the new context, contributing to the implementation of sustainable development goals towards Vietnam Vision 2045.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, United Nations Resident Representative (UNDP) in Vietnam, speaks - Photo: VGP/HT

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Representative in Vietnam, analyzed: Vietnam is entering a new phase. With Resolution 68 of the Politburo and Resolution 198 of the National Assembly, the private sector is placed at the center of national development. This is not only a policy change but also a mindset change, and UNDP is proud to accompany.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary, Vietnam implemented 250 major projects, of which 37% capital came from the budget, the rest from other sources, including FDI. This is a clear signal of public-private partnership and the leading role of large enterprises.

The question is how can small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute? SMEs account for more than 97% of all businesses, many of which have social impacts, create jobs for women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and pioneer green products and climate adaptation. They are innovative and resilient, but still face barriers to accessing capital.

"International experience shows that as the economy develops, it shifts to medium-sized enterprises. To achieve the 2030 and 2045 goals, Vietnam needs to support strategic SMEs and avoid "gaps". Large enterprises need to cooperate with SMEs in the supply chain. Management agencies need to continue to guarantee credit, co-finance, combine public-private-international capital, and invest in SMEs, bringing benefits to society and businesses," said Ms. Ramla Khalidi.

According to the Organizing Committee, all recommendations from the forum will be compiled by VBCSD – VCCI, reported to the Government and the National Council for Sustainable Development, becoming important data for new policy making. This is also a way to spread and bring the Party's "Quad Resolutions" into life, promoting sustainable development for the business community.

The Vietnam Business Forum for Sustainable Development 2025 once again affirmed its position as the leading strategic dialogue space, gathering intelligence, initiatives and commitments from the Government, the business community and international partners. The consistent message is: sustainable development is no longer an option, but a survival strategy for businesses, the inevitable path for Vietnam to realize Vision 2045, becoming a developed, high-income country.

Mr. Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/phat-trien-ben-vung-chien-luoc-song-con-cua-cong-dong-doanh-nghiep-viet-nam-102250822172620374.htm