Workshop: Releasing The Handbook On ESG Implementation And ESG Information Disclosure

16:20 | 31/03/2025

On March 24, 2025, a workshop introducing the ESG Implementation Framework Handbook, ESG Reporting Guide, and Sector-Specific Guidelines was held in Hanoi. The event was organized by the Department of Private Sector Development and Collective Economy (under the Ministry of Finance), in collaboration with the British Embassy, the British Consulate General, and consulting organizations including The Asia Foundation Vietnam and Ernst & Young Vietnam (EY Vietnam). The workshop aimed to support Vietnamese businesses on their journey toward sustainable development and international integration.

The event was part of the Non-Project Program on Promoting Green Finance through Improved ESG Disclosure by Businesses in Vietnam, with a Focus on Climate-Related Financial Risk Information, led by the Department of Private Sector Development and Collective Economy.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Fergus McBean, First Secretary for Climate and Nature at the British Embassy, emphasized that ESG plays a crucial role in shaping corporate strategies and investment decisions for businesses and investment funds today.

He stated: “ESG practices enable Vietnamese businesses to meet the requirements of financial institutions and international markets, particularly the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU). Both markets are preparing to implement measures requiring Vietnamese businesses to report on ESG and the climate actions they have taken.”
In Vietnam, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is receiving increasing attention as the economy moves toward green growth and sustainable development. The government has issued multiple policies to promote green finance, including the National Strategy on Green Growth for the 2021–2030 period and requirements for businesses to disclose ESG information. However, ESG disclosures, particularly those related to climate-related financial risks, remain limited due to a lack of specific guidelines, standardized data, and reporting capacity.

To support businesses in ESG implementation and reporting, the Ministry of Finance collaborated with its partners to publish the ESG Handbook. This document provides practical guidance for businesses in three key sectors: finance, real estate & construction, and manufacturing—industries that significantly contribute to the economy and have substantial environmental and social impacts.

The ESG Handbook (or General Handbook) presents an ESG implementation framework and ESG reporting guidelines, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and SME support organizations. It helps businesses adopt sustainable practices, manage risks, and seize opportunities from sustainable development while improving their capacity to disclose information in line with legal requirements and ESG standards both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the handbook outlines steps for preparing sustainability reports, helping businesses mitigate risks, capitalize on ESG opportunities, and access green financing sources.

Sharing the same perspective, Mr. Nguyễn Đức Trung, Deputy Director of the Department of Private Sector Development and Collective Economy (Ministry of Finance), affirmed that ESG implementation is not just a trend but an urgent requirement for businesses to enhance their competitiveness, attract international investment, expand export markets, and meet community expectations.

At the workshop, with the participation of Ms. Nguyễn Thị Minh Huệ, Project Director of KLINOVA, the company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting businesses on ESG-related matters.

The launch of the ESG Handbook is expected to be a significant milestone in accelerating ESG practices among Vietnamese businesses, contributing to sustainable development and enhancing their competitive position in the global market.