At the same time, research by McKinsey shows that businesses with clear ESG strategies achieve profit margins 20% higher and can raise capital at 10% lower costs than their peers. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also notes that innovation contributes up to 60% of long-term productivity growth in an economy. These figures illustrate a simple yet profound principle: today, no enterprise can survive without greening its operations and continuously innovating.

Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice President of VCCI and Chairman of VBCSD

In this context, with a forward-looking vision, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) launched the Program on Benchmarking and Announcing Sustainable Companies in Vietnam (CSI Program) in 2016. Over the past decade, CSI has grown beyond a recognition platform to become a symbol of sustainable business transformation, fostering a “sustainability gene” across the Vietnamese business community. It provides a framework linking growth with responsibility, innovation with sustainability, and positions ESG, innovation, and transparent governance as core pillars of Vietnam’s national competitiveness.

Launched in 2016 by VBCSD-VCCI, the CSI Program has become a hallmark of sustainable business transformation, fostering a sustainability gene across Vietnam’s business community

A decade of partnership with Vietnamese businesses

The year 2025 marks ten years of VCCI and VBCSD supporting the business community in making sustainable development the “lifeblood” of modern corporate governance. Under the guidance of the Government and in collaboration with central agencies such as the Central Policy and Strategy Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, and, this year, the Ministry of Finance, the CSI Program has expanded its reach, promoting the integration of ESG principles and innovation into corporate development strategies.

After nine successful editions, more than 4,000 businesses have participated directly, and over 10,000 have used the Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) as a tool for self-assessment and strategic planning toward sustainable operations. The Top 10 CSI 2023-2024 enterprises alone generated over VND1,000,000 billion in revenue, contributed more than VND82 trillion to the state budget, and donated over VND 1 trillion to social causes, providing tangible proof of the value of sustainable corporate governance.

Being recognized as a “sustainable enterprise” not only carries a title endorsed by the Government and relevant ministries, but also demonstrates transparent governance, accountability, and long-term social commitment

ESG and innovation: unlocking the future

In today’s global context, ESG and innovation have become the twin engines driving business growth. ESG now serves as a “passport” for companies to join international supply chains, especially in demanding markets such as Europe, the U.S., and Japan. According to Bloomberg’s 2025 report, over 70% of European investment funds have integrated ESG criteria into their portfolio selection. The OECD also confirms that every dollar invested in sustainable development generates more than 200% of the social impact compared with traditional investment models.

In this spirit, CSI 2025 encourages Vietnamese businesses to move from compliance to action, using innovation to enhance productivity and resilience amid growing complexity. The updated CSI framework aligns with global standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). It now includes 145 indicators across seven sections, 41% of which focus on practical initiatives, showing a clear shift from compliance to creativity.

For the first time, a separate version has been created for small and micro enterprises, featuring 87 indicators, 84% of which are compliance-based, helping smaller businesses start their sustainability journey through disciplined operations.

Innovation is also evident in program implementation. CSI 2025 integrates AI technology into its online platform, making data entry, understanding, and analysis easier. This digitalization facilitates participation in future years and supports companies in preparing sustainability reports. It is not just a technical upgrade but clear proof that VCCI and VBCSD are turning innovation into the foundation of sustainable governance, in line with Resolution 57 of the Politburo on science, technology, and innovation-driven development.

The integration of technology and ESG improves efficiency, aligns businesses with global standards, and equips Vietnamese companies to succeed in increasingly green and transparent global supply chains.

Ultimately, innovation is the lifeblood of sustainability. There can be no green enterprise without innovative thinking. CSI is not just a recognition platform but also a learning tool, helping businesses manage through data, ideas, and knowledge. After a decade, we have seen a strong transformation from compliance to value creation. CSI 2025 celebrates not only sustainable enterprises but also the creative spirit of Vietnam, highlighting innovation in mindset and sustainable business practices.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc (sixth from left) and other delegates attend the Vietnam Corporate Sustainability Forum (VCSF) 2025

Participating in CSI: more than a title, a path to transformation

Joining the CSI Program is not just about recognition; it is a journey of self-improvement, innovation, and strengthening competitive capability. The CSI serves as a mirror reflecting a company’s governance health, ESG compliance, and ability to create long-term value.

Participation in the CSI Program connects enterprises to a prestigious network of thousands of responsible and forward-looking companies, expanding opportunities for investment partnerships, access to green finance, and entry into international markets. More importantly, it helps businesses build trust with shareholders, consumers, and the broader community - the true foundation of a sustainable brand in the 21st century.

The sustainable business title under the CSI Program represents meaningful recognition for enterprises with vision, commitment, and decisive action, striving toward a green, prosperous, and inclusive future for Vietnam.