Vietnamese Businesses Gain New Momentum for Green Transition with the CSI 2025 Index

2025 marks 10th consecutive year organised, the program aims to recognize and promote responsible production and business practices toward sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Nguyễn Quang Vinh – Permanent Vice President of VCCI and Chairman of the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) – emphasized that the four new resolutions recently issued by the Government serve not only as guidance but also as four key pillars driving breakthroughs in the national economy. He underscored the importance of aligning the CSI index with macro-level strategies to embed sustainable development goals into the operational frameworks of businesses.

Sharing a practical perspective, Ms. Hà Thu Thanh – Vice Chair of the CSI 2025 Evaluation Council – noted that this year’s upgraded version of the CSI index truly reflects the Government’s spirit of “doing better what is already being done well.” According to her, the CSI index is not just a measurement tool but also a strategic enabler that accelerates businesses on their green transition journey. She likened ESG to a “strategic passport” in the era of globalization – a gateway that helps enterprises reach international markets, enhance credibility, and elevate their position on the global stage.

One of the notable highlights of CSI 2025 is the recalibration of index weightings: 63% basic indicators and 37% advanced ones. This redesign broadens the index's accessibility and applicability across various business groups. For the first time, a streamlined version of the CSI index—comprising 87 indicators—has been introduced, tailored specifically for micro and small enterprises, particularly those in manufacturing and commercial services. This reflects a more inclusive and flexible approach to sustainable business assessment in the new development phase.

Beyond introducing a technical tool, the event also featured an open discussion session where experts provided feedback and policy recommendations to support practical implementation. Dr. Nguyễn Phương Nam, CEO of KLINOVA, highlighted the need for a comprehensive policy ecosystem to ensure the effectiveness of the CSI index. In his view, ensuring fairness across different business scales is crucial. Incentives should go beyond awards or recognition; what matters more is a system of societal and investor validation that truly values sustainable performance. In such a system, sustainability becomes not a burden, but a compelling strategic choice that delivers long-term competitive advantages.

The launch of the CSI 2025 Index—especially its version tailored for micro and small enterprises—stands as a clear testament to the Vietnamese business community’s commitment to green transition. As ESG continues to gain ground as a global standard, such efforts are set to help domestic enterprises move closer to international benchmarks, while asserting their proactive role in the journey toward sustainable development.