Spotlight on the 2024 Vietnam ESG Investor Conference
Setting the Stage
Held on May 16 and 17, 2024, at the New World Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam ESG Investor Conference brought together a vibrant community of over 500 participants, including business owners, investors, and industry experts. Organized by Raise Partners and Vietnam Innovators by Vietcetera, this two-day conference was a crucial platform for discussing the future of sustainable development in Vietnam.
With 80 influential speakers, attendees engaged in rich discussions aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s manufacturing landscape within the global value chain while promoting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
A Commitment to Sustainability
One of the key discussions focused on Vietnam’s ambitious commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The speakers highlighted various initiatives and models that Vietnamese businesses are adopting to implement sustainable practices.
Developing Lower Carbon Cities
The concept of “Lower Carbon Cities” emerged prominently, emphasizing smart urban development aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ha Thu Thanh, Chair of the Vietnam Institute of Directors, stressed the need for robust investment infrastructure to facilitate capital flow towards carbon reduction projects.
Ms. Trang Vuong, Deputy CEO of enCity, remarked, “Every city today requires a framework to decrease carbon emissions in various aspects of life.” She noted the challenges faced by densely populated areas like Ho Chi Minh City, where overlapping infrastructures complicate efforts toward establishing low-carbon zones.
Rethinking Urban Infrastructure
Jason Lusk, Managing Director of Clickable Impact Asia, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of government funding to lay the groundwork for low-carbon cities. Meanwhile, Nam Nguyen, CEO of KLINOVA, indicated that businesses are eagerly waiting for the government’s Green Taxonomy to guide their sustainability efforts.
Enhancing Business Resilience
The conference also highlighted how sustainability is not just about environmental initiatives but also about ensuring the longevity and resilience of businesses. Tim Evans, CEO of HSBC Vietnam, pointed out that achieving net-zero emissions requires collaboration between public and private sectors.
“HSBC is committed to supporting the Vietnamese government and businesses in their journey towards sustainability,” he stated.
Challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises
A pivotal question arose from an SME owner during the conference: “How can businesses like mine, struggling to meet daily operational costs, possibly embrace ESG?” The response revealed a gap in resources and support mechanisms available to SMEs.
During the seminar, Rong Yu, Head of ESG Solutions at S&P Global Sustainable1, proposed solutions to bridge this gap. She emphasized the importance of connecting SMEs with global investors and providing them access to capital.
Fostering Strategic Partnerships
The event concluded with an Investor-Business Matching session, allowing attendees to network based on specific fields of interest, such as:
- Circular Economy
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Tech
This format enabled businesses to engage directly with potential partners, offering a structured way to explore investment opportunities while aligning with ESG practices.
Future Prospects
With ESG becoming a cornerstone of business practices globally, the Vietnam ESG Investor Conference served as a launchpad for Vietnam’s aspirations in sustainable management, social responsibility, and corporate governance.
Event Details
When: May 16-17, 2024
Where: New World Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
For more details about the conference, visit HERE.
Acknowledgments
Key sponsors of the event included Dynam Capital and Vietnam Holding, with additional support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, British University Vietnam, and others, showcasing a wide collaborative network aiming for sustainable growth.
This collaborative effort symbolizes a significant stride towards integrating ESG standards in Vietnam’s economic framework, placing the country on the map for ecological and social innovation.