ESG: The Gateway to International Markets for the Seafood Industry
Ho Chi Minh City, August 22, 2025 – The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Ho Chi Minh City Branch (VCCI-HCM) and supported by Oxfam through the “Improving Market Access for Shrimp and Rice Enterprises through Enhanced Workplace Skills and Occupational Safety and Health in Enterprises” (DGD) project, organized a workshop on “ESG – The Gateway to International Markets for the Seafood Industry” in Ho Chi Minh City.
The workshop, held during the VietFish Exhibition, provided an important forum for businesses in the industry to discuss and learn about the increasing role of responsible business practices.
The DGD project is an initiative to support enterprises in the shrimp and rice value chains in the Mekong Delta. The full name of the project is “Improving Market Access for Shrimp and Rice Enterprises through Enhanced Workplace Skills and Occupational Safety and Health in Enterprises” (DGD).
The core objective of the project is to help seafood enterprises, especially shrimp processing enterprises in the Mekong Delta, enhance their capacity to meet the stringent standards of international markets. The main activities focus on three areas: enterprise capacity building, development of assessment tools, and promotion of responsible business practices.
VietFish Exhibition: A platform for the seafood industry to discuss responsible business practices
Background and Importance of ESG
According to statistics, Vietnam’s seafood industry plays a significant role in the economy, with export turnover surpassing the $10 billion mark in 2024, making Vietnam the third-largest seafood exporter in the world.
However, alongside market expansion opportunities, the industry also faces challenges such as technical barriers, traceability requirements, labor standards, and pressure from international consumers for transparency and social responsibility.
In this context, integrating the three pillars of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) is not only a global trend but also a “passport” for enterprises to enhance their competitiveness. Embracing ESG improves operational efficiency, ensures legal compliance, and enhances transparency, thereby expanding market access and attracting green investments.
Enhancing Enterprise Competitiveness through ESG Initiatives
At the workshop, experts shared the importance of ESG sustainability reporting in enhancing the competitiveness and export value of enterprises. They also disclosed key findings from a practical survey on the implementation of ESG in seafood export enterprises, identifying capacity gaps within the businesses.
Through this event, VCCI-HCM and VASEP aim to disseminate information on sustainable and responsible business practices, particularly on sustainability reporting. This is also an opportunity to recognize the realities, readiness, and challenges faced by enterprises.
Based on these insights, the two organizations will develop practical support programs to help enterprises in the seafood value chain enhance their capabilities and access high-value markets.
Mr. Nguyen Le Nhat Thanh, Deputy Head of the Department of Employers and Women Entrepreneurs, VCCI-HCM, shared the objectives of the workshop
Mr. Nguyen Le Nhat Thanh, Deputy Head of the Department of Employers and Women Entrepreneurs, VCCI-HCM, stated, “The workshop aims to create a practical forum to raise enterprises’ awareness, share experiences, and promote sustainable actions, contributing to the overall development of the seafood industry. Through the DGD project, VCCI-HCM and VASEP have been implementing activities to support enterprises in the shrimp processing chain in the Mekong Delta.”
“We hope that this workshop will be a milestone for Vietnamese seafood enterprises to realize the importance of building sustainability reports as an essential tool to enhance their competitiveness and meet the increasingly high demands of the international market, especially in high-value markets,” added Mr. Nguyen Le Nhat Thanh.
With the close collaboration between VCCI-HCM, VASE, and partners, the workshop is expected to be a significant step forward in promoting sustainable business practices in Vietnam. This demonstrates the seafood industry’s commitment to building a prosperous, transparent, and responsible future, meeting the expectations of both domestic and international markets.
“Net Zero Generation: The New Imperative Forcing Vietnamese Brands to Go Green”
The Net Zero generation is conscious of more than just price and quality; they weigh environmental and social responsibilities in their choices. Green Innovation Summit 2025 highlighted that ‘green’ is no longer just a buzzword but a prerequisite for business survival and competition.
The Ultimate Super Yacht: Unveiling Bill Gates’ $645 Million Ocean Innovation
Breakthrough showcases ocean-going prowess: immense power for clean energy. With a week-long range on hydrogen power alone while stationary, this is a true glimpse of the future of energy at sea.
“Vietnamese Products Hit a 10-Year High: Seizing the Golden Opportunity to Soar on the Global Stage”
The Vietnamese crab and shrimp industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in exports, propelling the sector to record-breaking heights. This exceptional performance has positioned the industry at its pinnacle over the last decade.
Where Should Businesses Start When it Comes to ESG Practices?
In the new growth model for Vietnam and the world, it is imperative for businesses to embrace ESG practices, driven by intrinsic needs. Integrating AI brings a new mindset, demanding data-driven decisions, transparency, and consistency. This is the opportunity to seize the advantage of being a pioneer, enabling businesses to not only sustain their market presence during challenging times but also to thrive and reach new heights.
“A Hanoi Ward Aims for Per Capita GRDP of Over 36,000 USD by 2045.”
This district spans an area of 19.15 square kilometers and is home to a vibrant community of over 65,000 residents. It boasts a rich cultural heritage and a diverse range of attractions, making it a captivating place to visit and an even more enchanting place to call home. With its unique charm and vibrant spirit, this district truly comes alive, offering a unique and captivating experience to all who dwell within or pass through.
