“The Global Context and Vietnam’s Reality: Navigating the Shifting Investment Landscape”
The investment landscape is evolving, and investors are no longer solely driven by profit. With a growing focus on sustainability, investors are demanding more from businesses. Climate change, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviors are directly impacting business stability and profitability. Recognizing this, investors and development finance institutions (DFIs) understand that investing in sustainable business models is not just a moral responsibility but also a smart long-term risk management strategy.
This shift is further accelerated by increasing pressure from international regulations. Major economic blocs, such as the European Union, are leading the way with initiatives like the European Green Deal and stringent emission reporting and ESG disclosure requirements. As a result, businesses globally, including those in Vietnam, must “green” their operations to remain part of the international trade and commerce landscape.
These dual forces are shaping the market for sustainable finance. According to the World Bank, the global volume of sustainable bonds (including green, social, and sustainability bonds) reached a remarkable $6.2 trillion as of the end of 2024. Coupled with global action frameworks such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it’s clear that green finance is not a passing trend but a profound restructuring of the global economy.
In Vietnam, the government’s Net Zero commitment by 2050, announced at COP26, sets an ambitious socio-economic development trajectory. Achieving this goal requires an estimated $368-380 billion during the 2022-2040 period. This, along with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and efforts to promote the development of the private sector, underscores the significant capital needs in the country.
However, turning commitments into action comes with challenges. Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face barriers in accessing international green finance due to limited awareness of ESG standards, governance capabilities falling short of international investor expectations, and difficulties in developing sufficiently “green” and transparent projects to attract capital.
“Unlocking International Green Capital Markets: Accelerating Sustainable Development and Financial Inclusion in Vietnam”
On September 5, 2025, Nam A Bank (HOSE: NAB), a leading proponent of green and inclusive finance, will host an international conference titled “Unlocking International Green Capital Markets: Accelerating Sustainable Development and Financial Inclusion in Vietnam.”
 The conference will feature renowned speakers from regulatory bodies, international investment funds, development finance institutions (DFIs), and reputable financial institutions. It aims to serve as a vital bridge for knowledge transfer, unlocking impact investment flows, and enhancing connections between Vietnamese businesses and international organizations.
|
This international-scale conference will bring together a diverse ecosystem of policymakers, senior leaders from top investment funds, DFIs, domestic and foreign financial institutions, business associations, and, most importantly, businesses seeking green capital for their transformation and growth.
Mr. Vo Hoang Hai, Deputy CEO of Nam A Bank, shared: “We believe that achieving sustainable development goals requires the collective effort of the entire financial system and the business community. Through this conference, Nam A Bank, in close collaboration with reputable partners such as IFC, responsAbility, BlueOrchard, ADB, IDG, Founding Member of the International Financial Center, industry associations, and government agencies, will share a common story about the journey to unlock the sustainable capital market. It’s not just about capital raising but also about improving governance, enhancing transparency, and building the reputation of Vietnamese businesses in the international arena in the process of sustainable development and promoting financial inclusion associated with the green orientation of the International Financial Center. We want to turn challenges into opportunities and help Vietnamese businesses confidently enter the global arena.”
Three In-Depth Discussions: From Global Vision to Practical Solutions
Session 1, themed “Unlocking International Green Capital Markets,” will feature speakers from IFC, BlueOrchard, and responsAbility, offering a comprehensive overview of the global and Vietnamese green finance markets, the journey of climate finance in Asia, gender-lens lending solutions, and initiatives to promote financial inclusion for businesses, especially SMEs.
Concluding Session 1, representatives from government agencies, founding members of the International Financial Center, and banks will join the aforementioned speakers for a roundtable discussion to exchange insights on opportunities, challenges, and solutions for effectively connecting green capital in Vietnam.
Session 2, “Promoting Sustainable Development and Financial Inclusion in Vietnam,” will see speakers from ADB and IDG focus on international green transformation models and financial instruments to support businesses’ comprehensive development. They will also engage in a roundtable discussion with government agency representatives and industry associations (fisheries, tea, rubber, etc.) to share practical experiences and lessons learned from sustainable development transitions across various economic sectors.
Session 3, “Enhancing Capabilities and Access to Green Capital for the Private Sector: Practical Lessons,” will bring together experts from GGGI, FiinRatings, and KPMG, along with government agencies and leading green-transforming corporations, to share experiences and solutions for improving corporate governance, especially in alignment with international standards.
The final discussion session will feature businesses with practical experience in sustainable development, such as the STP Group and New Era Cold Storage, sharing their journeys and insights on accessing green capital. This session will also include experts from EY and Nam A Bank’s Green Transformation Ambassador, focusing on identifying gaps in Vietnamese businesses (tools, knowledge, or governance) and providing solutions to spread the culture of sustainable development.
The current context presents an opportunity for the Vietnamese business community to raise awareness, standardize operations according to international norms, and embrace the wave of sustainable investment. Conferences like these are pivotal steps, creating momentum and asserting Vietnam’s position not just as an attractive investment destination but also as a responsible partner in the collective effort for a sustainable planet.
|
Event Information: – International Conference: Unlocking International Green Capital Markets to Promote Sustainable Development and Financial Inclusion in Vietnam – Date: 9:00, September 5, 2025 – Location: Tea Resort Prenn Da Lat. The conference will be covered by reputable press and online news channels and livestreamed on Nam A Bank’s fanpage. |
Han Dong
– 09:12, September 3, 2025
Unlocking Green Finance in Vietnam: The Billion-Dollar Shift and the Quest for Inclusive Growth
The global sustainable finance market is undergoing a seismic shift, with trillions of dollars being redirected towards ESG standards. Vietnam, with its strong net-zero commitments, is poised to become a highly attractive destination for these funds. To realize this potential, addressing the country’s capacity to absorb green capital is more crucial than ever.
The Birth of a Global Financial Hub: Accelerating the Development of Ho Chi Minh City’s International Financial Center
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has urged all departments and sectors to expedite procedures, planning, and reporting to ensure the timely launch of the International Financial Center in September.
“Unlocking Finance: Navigating the Challenges of Green Credit for Businesses”
The green finance market in Vietnam is hotter than ever, with a staggering 170% growth in the past year. Despite the increasing interest from businesses and financial institutions, the cost conundrum looms large, presenting a significant barrier. This challenge has prevented the path to accessing this sustainable source of capital from being truly open and inclusive.
Mr Lim Dyi Chang (UOB): Green Transformation Clears the Path for Vietnamese Businesses to Access Capital
The proactive shift towards a green economy is not just an environmental imperative but also a key strategy for Vietnamese businesses to enhance their competitive edge and tap into the billions of dollars of investment capital waiting on the sidelines.
“Fostering Green Finance and ESG in Vietnam: Unlocking Business Benefits and Overcoming Challenges.”
On August 28, at the “Vietnam Green Finance 2025” conference, organized by S&I Ratings in collaboration with Fitch Ratings, experts shared insights on global and local trends in ESG.
