“Vietnam’s Green Transition: Unlocking Opportunities in the Sustainable Economy”
This was the insight shared by Mr. Lim Dyi Chang, Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking at UOB Vietnam, at the Green Economy Forum organized by Saigon Economics Magazine on the morning of August 28th.
 Mr. Lim Dyi Chang, Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking at UOB Vietnam, shared his insights at the event on August 28, 2025.
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Global capital is going green
According to Mr. Lim Dyi Chang, the trend of shifting investment capital towards green projects globally is strong and inevitable. “This capital flow is reshaping the structure of supply chains and the long-term competitiveness of nations. Vietnam is an integral part of this transformation”, emphasized Mr. Lim.
In fact, even amid a projected global GDP growth of only 2.3% in 2025 and prolonged geopolitical tensions, investment in clean energy has boomed. Global energy investment is estimated to reach USD 3,300 billion, with clean energy accounting for USD 2,200 billion, double that of fossil fuels. Asia is leading this trend, with China contributing over 40% of global renewable energy capacity.
In Vietnam, the transition is accelerating. As of March 2025, green credit outstanding balances reached approximately VND 704,000 billion, equivalent to USD 27 billion, with an average growth rate of over 21% per year since 2017. The government has also set an ambitious target of having 10% of the economy’s total credit outstanding as green credit by the end of this year.
Opportunities abound with a refined legal framework
Vietnam’s potential is immense, especially in the field of renewable energy, with offshore wind power estimates exceeding 1,000 GW. According to the Power Development Plan 8, Vietnam aims to attract USD 135 billion in investment in the energy sector by 2030.
To unlock this capital, the government has issued important mechanisms. Resolution 68 identifies the private sector as the main driver, along with preferential policies for small and medium-sized enterprises. Notably, the State Bank of Vietnam’s (SBV) issuance of the Green Taxonomy for 45 industries is considered a significant step forward.
“These frameworks help mitigate policy risks, enhance transparency, and unlock domestic and international commercial capital. Enterprises that pioneer the application of these standards will gain a significant advantage in accessing green capital”, analyzed Mr. Lim.
As evidence of this trend, UOB has financed numerous sustainable projects in Vietnam in the fields of seafood, agriculture, and renewable energy. As of the end of 2024, the total financing for sustainable projects by UOB in ASEAN reached USD 41 billion. The bank commits that in 2025, at least 30% of new loans to medium and large enterprises will be linked to sustainability.
Five sectors to benefit and strategies for businesses
According to Mr. Lim Dyi Chang, five industry groups are presented with significant opportunities from the green investment trend:
- Renewable energy: Solar power, wind power, and energy storage solutions.
- Green manufacturing: Low-emission industrial parks, industrial symbiosis models.
- Circular economy: Waste-to-energy, electric vehicle battery recycling, sustainable packaging.
- Sustainable agriculture: Low-emission farming, high-tech agriculture, water conservation.
- Green transportation and infrastructure: Electric vehicles and their ecosystem, sustainable construction.
To seize these opportunities, Mr. Lim recommends that businesses focus on five key strategies. These include integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors as a core part of their business strategy to create value and competitive advantage. Businesses should also enhance resilience, invest in digital transformation, and improve risk management.
Additionally, enterprises should develop a capital access strategy, proactively orient projects according to the Green Taxonomy, foster cross-sector collaboration, and partner with financial, technological, and supply chain entities. Diversifying funding sources by exploring diverse financial instruments such as green bonds, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and blended finance is also crucial.
“Vietnam’s green transition is not only a challenge but also presents vast business opportunities. Enterprises that take early action and align with green standards will position themselves as leaders in the next phase of economic growth”, concluded Mr. Lim.
– 11:49 28/08/2025
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