Sustainable Development: The Common Denominator for Successful Businesses

While the term “sustainable development” is commonly used by many businesses, it entails more than just a decorative addition to a company’s profile. Mr. John Bowen, Global Client Director at Standard Chartered Bank, Vietnam, shared that enterprises could secure loans or mortgages at lower interest rates if they provided clear data and metrics to substantiate their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices.

The advantages of embracing a sustainable development strategy extend beyond preferential access to investment capital. It also confers a competitive edge, as consumers are increasingly embracing sustainable consumption trends. According to a PWC report, 85% of Millennials and Gen Z respondents (currently aged 15-43) expressed an interest in green living, and 93% indicated their willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products. Evidently, embracing sustainable practices does not hinder growth; instead, it safeguards a company’s development in the present and future.

The Trend of Sustainable Investment: Investing in the Future

Sustainable businesses are more likely to attract investment funds.

As businesses embrace sustainable development, investment funds are keen to channel capital towards these enterprises. However, investment funds in Vietnam meticulously screen potential investees to ensure they meet “green investment” standards. Ms. Ho Thi The Van, Business Development Director at Eastspring Investment Vietnam, an asset management company under Prudential, commented: “As an investment fund, we are interested in how businesses contribute to the environment and society, and their long-term corporate governance must be sustainable.”

PRULink Future Green invests in stocks of companies that meet three criteria: Health, Climate, and Social Progress.

In March 2024, Eastspring Investment Vietnam launched the PRUlink Future Green fund, one of the first investment funds in Vietnam to apply sustainable investment norms. Ms. Van shared, “With PRULink Future Green, we only invest in stocks of companies that meet three criteria: Health, Climate, and Social Progress. Despite market fluctuations during its launch, the fund maintained a low volatility range and achieved a 2% growth rate within three months of operation.”

Journalist Kim Hanh shares insights on sustainable investment trends in the “Investing in the Future” series by Prudential Vietnam.

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