AEF 2026: Vietnamese businesses need green finance and a distinct identity to compete globally
WVR - Unlocking green finance, advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, and combining technology with cultural identity are key approaches to helping Vietnamese businesses achieve sustainable growth and strengthen their international competitiveness.
Latest
Speaking to The World and Vietnam Report on the sidelines of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 (AEF 2026), two representatives of Nam A Bank shared their perspectives on promoting sustainable development, enhancing competitiveness and creating greater value for Vietnamese businesses as they integrate into the global economy.
Green finance drives the transition to sustainability
 |
| Mr. Ha Huy Cuong, Deputy General Director of Nam A Bank, discusses solutions to promote green finance and attract international capital to support sustainable development in Vietnam. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Mr. Ha Huy Cuong, Deputy General Director of Nam A Bank, said digital transformation and the green transition were two pillars of the bank’s development strategy, aligned with its commitment to sustainable growth and Vietnam’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
According to Mr. Ha Huy Cuong, Nam A Bank has proactively engaged with international financial institutions to attract green capital.
In 2025 and 2026, the bank organised forums on international green finance, attracting hundreds of investment funds, financial institutions and foreign investors interested in investment opportunities in Vietnam.
As a result of this strategic direction, green loans currently account for nearly 15% of Nam A Bank’s total loan portfolio.
To expand access to green finance, the bank focuses on eligible sectors while developing an environmental and social management system (ESMS) and working with international partners to strengthen ESG management and implementation processes.
The framework is also designed to help clients improve their capacity to meet sustainability standards.
Mr. Ha Huy Cuong said support from organisations such as the Global Climate Partnership Fund (GCPF) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) had enabled the bank to access technical assistance alongside green financing.
Commenting on the Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC), Mr. Ha Huy Cuong described it as an important opportunity for Vietnam to attract global capital.
Nam A Bank has joined the initiative as a strategic partner, demonstrating its commitment to supporting Ho Chi Minh City in developing the financial centre.
According to Mr. Ha Huy Cuong, attracting international capital requires an appropriate legal framework and a transparent, stable and competitive investment environment.
Domestic businesses must also take the initiative in pursuing the green transition, adopting ESG practices and strengthening their capacity to access finance.
Given that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for a large proportion of Vietnamese businesses, Ho Chi Minh City needs to provide practical guidance to help them improve corporate governance, meet international standards and gain more effective access to green finance.
Technology and cultural identity enhance the value of Vietnamese agricultural products
 |
| Mr. Pham Cong Tuan Ha, Independent Member of the Board of Directors of Nam A Bank, discusses ways to increase the value of Vietnamese agricultural products. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Mr. Pham Cong Tuan Ha, Independent Member of the Board of Directors of Nam A Bank, said increasing the value of Vietnamese agricultural products required a comprehensive approach to the supply chain, covering everything from raw material production and processing to quality assurance, branding and distribution networks.
In his view, businesses would struggle to realise the full added value of agricultural products if they focused on only one stage of the supply chain.
The Doi Dep brand has developed its business model around the concept of “from farm to cup”, connecting different stages of production within an integrated ecosystem.
According to Mr. Pham Cong Tuan Ha, each cup of tea embodies the distinctive qualities of its place of origin, the craftsmanship of tea producers and the cultural values associated with the region.
From this perspective, sustainable agricultural development requires a balanced approach that integrates raw material quality, production processes, branding and distribution.
This provides a foundation for businesses to increase the value of agricultural products, improve livelihoods in sourcing areas and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets.
Discussing the role of cultural diplomacy in international integration, Mr. Pham Cong Tuan Ha said cultural identity enabled Vietnamese businesses to establish a distinctive presence in global markets.
To bring Vietnamese cultural values closer to international partners, businesses need to preserve and promote national identity while aligning with global development standards, including sustainability, smart agriculture, the application of science and technology, and emissions reduction.
Technology acts as a driving force for progress, while culture provides the foundation for developing distinctive value in products and brands.
According to Mr. Pham Cong Tuan Ha, Vietnamese businesses can strengthen their international standing by effectively combining technological innovation, cultural values and compliance with ESG standards.
This combination enables local brands to participate more deeply in global value chains while preserving their identity throughout the process of competition and international integration.
