Recognizing Listed Companies with Outstanding IR Activities in 2024
Ms. Bui Thi Thao Ly, Director of SSV Analytics Center, shared at the IR View Workshop
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Ms. Ly mentioned that SSV has recently received numerous inquiries regarding ESG practices, especially from international institutional investors who face challenges in evaluating and screening for ESG compliance. These inquiries reflect the growing trend and demand for ESG considerations in investment decisions.
In Asia, the demand for ESG investing and the number of ESG investment funds have surged in recent years, with total assets under management reaching a staggering $58 billion, more than tenfold growth compared to a decade ago.
However, Vietnam lags behind other countries in the region, with only one ESG investment fund. This is in contrast to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Thailand, which have witnessed a boom in ESG investing in recent times.
Noteworthy initiatives include making sustainability analysis reports mandatory and implementing specific strategies for quantitative disclosures, such as emissions data and emission reduction targets. Additionally, new policies such as tax breaks for ESG investment funds and intermediary investors in the market are also encouraged.
SSV has studied and identified several reasons for this situation, and one significant barrier for listed companies in Vietnam is the lack of ESG data. Currently, only 3% of listed companies on the HOSE provide information on ESG analysis and assessments, while 44% of Vietnamese businesses commit to and plan to implement ESG practices. Nonetheless, Vietnamese businesses also attach great importance to governance rankings.
Even though the number of ESG investment funds in Vietnam is still limited, there are listed companies that have successfully attracted significant ESG fund investments globally. A notable example is VNM, which has attracted 300 foreign funds, including 126 ESG investment funds. This demonstrates how proactive ESG reporting and disclosures can help listed companies access global ESG funds with substantial assets under management.
According to statistics, global ESG fund assets reached $30 trillion in 2022 and are expected to surpass $40 trillion by 2030.
Beyond attracting investments, additional incentives for companies to embrace sustainability reporting include enhancing their brand image, improving competitiveness, and attracting and retaining talented employees.
In conclusion, Ms. Ly expressed SSV’s pride in disseminating ESG-related information to a broader investor audience.
IR in the Green Era: Vietnam Enterprises’ Strategies for “Greening” and Capital Attraction
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Long (HD Capital): IR as a Potential Key to Unlocking Billion-Dollar Investments into Vietnam
Huy Khai
“A Pledge for Economic Prosperity: De-Criminalizing Financial Matters”
Addressing a gathering of prominent private enterprises, the Prime Minister asserted, “Our government pledges to stand by, protect, and uphold the legitimate rights and interests of businesses, no matter the circumstances. We are committed to refraining from criminalizing economic relations and will actively work towards eliminating bureaucratic red tape, including the abolition of unnecessary permits and licenses.”