As global markets impose increasingly stringent technical standards, innovation and digital transformation are becoming essential for Vietnamese agricultural exporters to stay competitive, optimise costs and achieve sustainable growth.

VOV.VN - Vietnamese firms are encouraged to adopt green production to meet Halal and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards to expand access to the Malaysian and global markets, experts said at a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on April 23.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Ho Chi Minh City is estimated at nearly US$2.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a surge of more than 200% from a year earlier, underscoring resilient investor interest despite global uncertainty, city officials said.

A report urging stronger policy support to foster sustainable agriculture in Vietnam was announced in Hanoi on March 20, offering an in-depth assessment of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices across the sector.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam is facing an estimated annual credit gap of up to US$24 billion as they seek increasing funding to meet ESG standards and accelerate their green transition, experts said at the Impact Investment Connect: Capital for Growth Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City on March 10.

Vietnam has launched an updated corporate governance framework aimed at lifting standards among listed and public companies and aligning the market more closely with international practice as investor expectations continue to rise.

Strong talent pools, competitive operating costs and an expanding supply of ESG-compliant Grade A offices are strengthening Ho Chi Minh City’s appeal as a top destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in the long-term expansion plans of multinational corporations.

After more than a decade of negotiations, the Vietnam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement (VEFTA) is expected to open up significant opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to access some of the world’s highest-income markets.

The Academy for Green Growth (AGG) under the Vietnam National University of Agriculture and the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) wrapped up the “For a Green National Environment” programme 2025 while unveiling the results of its "National Green ESG Enterprises 2025" survey.

Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are among Vietnam’s most important economic partners, with considerable room for further cooperation, but Vietnamese enterprises must adopt clearer strategies and continuously upgrade technological capacity to attract more investment and expand trade, experts said.