AEF 2026: Technology, ESG and international capital drive sustainable growth

On the occasion of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 (AEF 2026), The World and Vietnam Report spoke with experts and business representatives about ways to accelerate technological innovation, advance ESG practices and attract international capital.

Technology driving sustainable retail

Mr. Bernard Grellier, CEO and Co-founder of Aetherix Digital, discusses the role of technology in improving operational efficiency and promoting sustainability in the retail sector. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Mr. Bernard Grellier, CEO and Co-founder of Aetherix Digital, discusses the role of technology in improving operational efficiency and promoting sustainability in the retail sector. (Photo: Thanh Long)

From the perspective of a technology company, Mr. Bernard Grellier, CEO and Co-founder of Aetherix Digital, said technology solutions should improve the customer experience while enhancing retailers’ operational efficiency.

To achieve these objectives, environmental considerations and sustainability should be integrated into the design of technology solutions from the outset.

In particular, technology should help reduce food waste and unsold merchandise while lowering energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient equipment.

Businesses should also prioritise computers designed to support the reuse and recycling of components and materials, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

Assessing Vietnam’s potential, Mr. Grellier noted that the country was undergoing a far-reaching process of transformation and digitalisation.

However, as the economy grows, the environmental impact of business activities also warrants commensurate attention.

According to the Aetherix Digital CEO, applying technology to improve operational efficiency, optimise resource use and reduce costs can help businesses pursue more sustainable development.

ESG: A key to global value chain integration

Professor Aejin Kim, Vice Dean for International Affairs at Dongseo University, the Republic of Korea, highlights the role of ESG in strengthening competitiveness and helping businesses participate in global value chains. (Photo: Thanh Long)

From an academic perspective, Professor Aejin Kim, Vice Dean for International Affairs at Dongseo University, the Republic of Korea, said ESG had moved beyond regulatory compliance to become an essential factor in competitiveness and participation in global value chains.

Integrating ESG into development strategies can help businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improve operational efficiency and strengthen supply chain resilience, she said.

This approach also creates opportunities for businesses to tap into the potential of the circular economy.

Policymakers should therefore provide practical support and establish an enabling environment to help businesses transition towards more sustainable models.

VIFC-HCMC: Unlocking international capital flows

Mr. Brook Colin Taylor, CEO of VinaCapital International Partners, discusses the potential of the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City to connect international capital with domestic investment needs. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Assessing the prospects of the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), Mr. Brook Colin Taylor, CEO of VinaCapital International Partners, said the centre could serve as a vital bridge between international capital and domestic investment needs.

Vietnam requires approximately US$1.4 trillion in investment to meet its medium- and long-term growth ambitions, while domestic resources are unlikely to meet the entire demand, he noted.

VIFC-HCMC therefore needs to establish a transparent investment environment, accessible regulatory frameworks, streamlined licensing procedures and mechanisms that facilitate the movement of capital in both directions.

The presence of banks, securities firms and asset management companies would also help complete the centre’s financial ecosystem.

Looking ahead to the next five years, Mr. Taylor expressed his expectation that VIFC-HCMC would attract major financial institutions, successfully implement projects and demonstrate the effectiveness of investment flows.

The VinaCapital International Partners CEO proposed prioritising four areas: private equity, private credit, infrastructure financing and green finance. These areas align with Vietnam’s capital requirements and the capacity of international markets to supply funding.

Discussions at AEF 2026 highlighted the close links between investment attraction, technological innovation and ESG adoption in strengthening business competitiveness.

A favourable investment environment, combined with innovative solutions aligned with sustainability objectives, would give Vietnam greater scope to mobilise resources and participate more deeply in global value chains.

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