Viet Nam Launches National Programme to Support SDGs and Green Economic Growth

Viet Nam has taken a major step toward building a more sustainable and resilient economy with the approval of a comprehensive national programme designed to support businesses in adopting responsible and future-oriented business models. Officially established through Decision No. 926/QD-TTg, signed on 25 May 2026, the Programme to Support Sustainable Business (2026–2030) seeks to accelerate the transformation of the private sector by integrating economic growth, social responsibility and environmental sustainability into enterprise development strategies.

The initiative reflects the country's growing commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfilling its pledge to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By encouraging businesses to embrace sustainable practices, the programme aims to strengthen competitiveness, improve resilience and create long-term economic value while addressing social and environmental challenges.

Sustainability Moves to the Centre of Enterprise Development

As global markets increasingly prioritize environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, businesses are under growing pressure to adapt their operations to meet new expectations from consumers, investors, regulators and international trading partners.

Recognizing these trends, the Vietnamese government has placed sustainability at the heart of its enterprise development agenda. The newly approved programme establishes a coordinated framework to help businesses navigate the transition toward more responsible and sustainable operating models.

The initiative seeks to ensure that economic development is not pursued at the expense of social well-being or environmental protection. Instead, it promotes a balanced approach that encourages profitability while supporting workers, communities and natural resources.

This strategy aligns with international efforts to foster sustainable economic growth and reflects Viet Nam’s ambition to position itself as a leader in green and inclusive development within the region.

Supporting 25,000 Businesses in Their Sustainability Journey

One of the programme’s most ambitious goals is to support approximately 25,000 enterprises, household businesses and cooperatives in transitioning toward sustainable business practices over the next five years.

The targeted organizations represent a diverse cross-section of Viet Nam’s economy, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), family-owned businesses and cooperative enterprises that play a vital role in employment generation and local economic development.

By providing technical support, knowledge-sharing opportunities and access to resources, the programme aims to help these organizations strengthen their sustainability performance while enhancing productivity and competitiveness.

The initiative recognizes that sustainable development cannot be achieved solely through large corporations; smaller enterprises must also be empowered to participate in the green transition.

Developing Model Enterprises for the Future

In addition to broad-based support, the programme seeks to establish at least 20 exemplary sustainable business models that can serve as references for other enterprises across the country.

These model enterprises will demonstrate how sustainability principles can be successfully integrated into business operations while maintaining profitability and competitiveness.

The selected examples are expected to showcase innovative approaches to environmental management, responsible employment practices, resource efficiency, technological innovation and community engagement.

By highlighting successful cases, policymakers hope to encourage wider adoption of sustainable practices and create a culture of innovation within the business community.

Driving Digital and Green Transformation

Digital transformation and environmental sustainability are among the programme’s core priorities.

As businesses around the world increasingly rely on digital technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness, Viet Nam is seeking to ensure that enterprises have the tools and knowledge needed to participate effectively in the digital economy.

The programme promotes the adoption of modern technologies that can enhance productivity, streamline operations and support data-driven decision-making. At the same time, it encourages businesses to reduce environmental impacts through cleaner production methods, energy efficiency improvements and sustainable resource management.

The integration of digital and green transformation is viewed as essential for building future-ready enterprises capable of competing in rapidly evolving global markets.

Promoting ESG Standards and Responsible Business Conduct

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks have become increasingly important indicators of business performance and sustainability.

Investors, consumers and international partners are paying closer attention to how companies manage environmental risks, treat employees, engage with communities and maintain transparent governance practices.

The programme supports enterprises in understanding and implementing ESG principles, helping them align with international standards and strengthen their long-term sustainability.

Improved ESG performance can enhance access to investment, improve corporate reputation and support compliance with emerging global regulations related to sustainability reporting and responsible business conduct.

By integrating ESG considerations into business strategies, companies can better manage risks while contributing positively to society and the environment.

Advancing the Circular Economy

Another major focus of the programme is the promotion of circular economy models that prioritize resource efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable consumption.

Traditional linear economic systems often rely on a "take-make-dispose" approach that can result in significant environmental impacts. Circular economy models, by contrast, seek to keep materials and resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, repair and regeneration.

The programme encourages businesses to explore innovative production systems that minimize waste and maximize resource productivity.

Adopting circular economy practices can help enterprises reduce costs, improve environmental performance and create new business opportunities in emerging green markets.

Expanding Access to Finance and Innovation

Access to financing remains one of the most significant challenges facing businesses seeking to invest in sustainability initiatives.

The programme includes measures to improve access to financial resources that can support green investments, technological upgrades and business innovation.

By strengthening connections between enterprises, financial institutions and development partners, policymakers hope to create an enabling environment that encourages investment in sustainable business practices.

Innovation is also recognized as a critical driver of competitiveness and sustainability. The programme promotes entrepreneurship, research and development, and the adoption of innovative business solutions capable of addressing environmental and social challenges.

Building Stronger Public-Private Partnerships

The programme highlights the importance of collaboration between government institutions, businesses, industry associations and development partners.

Public-private partnerships are expected to play a key role in mobilizing resources, sharing expertise and accelerating the implementation of sustainable development initiatives.

By fostering cooperation across sectors, the government aims to create a supportive ecosystem that enables enterprises to access knowledge, technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration.

Such partnerships are increasingly recognized as essential for achieving complex sustainability objectives that require coordinated action from multiple stakeholders.

ILO Supports Policy Development and Consultation

The International Labour Organization (ILO) played an important role in supporting the development of the programme through its Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work project.

Implemented with financial support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), the project contributed technical expertise, facilitated policy discussions and shared international experiences during the formulation process.

The initiative brought together government ministries, business associations, enterprises and development partners to participate in consultations and evidence-based policy discussions.

This collaborative approach helped ensure that the programme reflects both national priorities and international good practices related to sustainable enterprise development.

Sustainable Enterprises as Drivers of Decent Work

The programme also reinforces the strong connection between sustainable business development and decent work.

Sustainable enterprises contribute not only to economic growth but also to improved working conditions, greater social inclusion and stronger labour market outcomes.

Businesses that invest in sustainability often create safer workplaces, support workforce development and build more resilient operations capable of adapting to economic and environmental changes.

The programme therefore aligns closely with the ILO’s vision of promoting productive enterprises that generate quality employment while respecting workers’ rights and environmental responsibilities.

Supporting Viet Nam’s Net Zero Ambitions

The approval of the Programme to Support Sustainable Business represents an important milestone in Viet Nam’s broader sustainability agenda.

As the country works toward achieving its Net Zero emissions target by 2050, the private sector will play a critical role in reducing environmental impacts and driving innovation.

By encouraging enterprises to adopt sustainable business models, invest in green technologies and strengthen social responsibility practices, the programme contributes directly to national climate and development goals.

A Roadmap for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

The new initiative demonstrates Viet Nam’s commitment to ensuring that economic progress is accompanied by social and environmental responsibility.

By supporting thousands of businesses in their sustainability transition, promoting innovation and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, the programme lays the foundation for a more competitive, resilient and inclusive economy.

As global economic trends increasingly favour sustainable and responsible business practices, Viet Nam’s proactive approach positions its enterprises to seize new opportunities while contributing to national and international development objectives.

The Programme to Support Sustainable Business (2026–2030) represents a significant step toward building a future of work that is productive, inclusive and environmentally sustainable—one that benefits workers, enterprises and society as a whole.