Sustainable development is built on three interconnected pillars: economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. For businesses, pursuing sustainability means not only delivering strong financial performance but also preserving natural resources and supporting inclusive growth. This holistic approach is critical to ensuring long-term resilience amid global challenges such as resource scarcity, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
Vietnam, as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, faces increasing risks from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. In this context, enterprises must take proactive steps to reduce their environmental footprint — adopting clean energy solutions, enhancing resource efficiency, and managing waste responsibly.
Equally important is the commitment to a sustainable society. Businesses must ensure that their growth leads to shared prosperity — by creating quality jobs, upholding labor rights, fostering diversity, and investing in the well-being of local communities, be it in education, healthcare or poverty reduction. A socially sustainable business understands that long-term success depends not only on shareholders but on all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider society.
This sustainability imperative is now being reinforced at the national level. The Government has introduced several legal frameworks and policy directives to guide enterprises toward sustainable practices. A notable example is the Prime Minister’s Decision 687/QD-TTg dated June 7, 2022, which approves the Circular Economy Scheme — a key strategic initiative aimed at achieving sustainable development in the most comprehensive way possible.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment is also drafting a decree to support businesses transitioning to circular models. Proposed incentives include tax breaks, improved access to land and finance, support for R&D, and assistance in branding and product development — all targeted at companies that demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability.
While many of these policies are still under development, the benefits for early adopters are already evident. Sustainable enterprises often enjoy more stable long-term growth, reduced operational costs through energy and waste efficiency, stronger investor interest, improved brand loyalty, and lower compliance risks.
A growing number of Vietnamese enterprises are already leading the way.
Noteworthy examples include Unilever Vietnam and DUYTAN Recycling for their plastic circularity efforts; Heineken Vietnam for its achievements in water conservation and waste reuse; TH Group for pioneering circular agriculture; and Nestlé Vietnam with its “Zero Waste to Landfill” commitment.
Ultimately, the future of business lies in creating value not only for today’s profits but for tomorrow’s prosperity. By embedding sustainability into their core strategies, Vietnamese companies can drive meaningful impact, build resilience, and help shape a more inclusive and sustainable society.
In that spirit, we are now launching The Saigon Times Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 2025 program with the topic Toward a Sustainable Society, with the earnest desire to advocate for the country’s sustainability and to support and accompany businesses in pursuing that noble endeavor.
All businesses in the country with sustainability initiatives or programs that transform their corporate cultures, inspire customers, partners or the wider community, or positively impact society should send their CSR stories to our newsroom, plus relevant pictures or videos, so that The Saigon Times can publish them in order to spread the messages of sustainability to the public.
Please contact Ms. Kim Ngan via email kimngan@thesaigontimes.vn.
