The Office for Business for Sustainable Development – Business Council for Sustainable Development (under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry - VCCI) chaired and coordinated with the Institute of State and Law (under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences), and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia to recently launch the Handbook on Responsible Business Conduct in the food and beverage industry.

The Handbook on Responsible Business Conduct in the food and beverage industry will support enterprises in complying with the law. Photo: VCCI

The handbook is the result of a serious and responsible research process, with consultations and practical exchanges involving representatives of enterprises in the food and beverage supply chain. The guidance content is developed based on a balanced combination of international standards on responsible business conduct and Vietnam’s current legal system, aiming to support enterprises in ensuring legal compliance while improving governance quality, operational efficiency, and achieving sustainable business values.

In particular, the handbook does not only focus on principle-based requirements but emphasizes practicality and applicability. The guidance contents are designed flexibly, suitable for different scales, resources, and levels of readiness of enterprises—from large enterprises with complex supply chains to small and medium-sized enterprises that are gradually approaching sustainable development standards. Accordingly, enterprises can choose an appropriate roadmap to integrate responsible business principles into their production, business operations, and risk management.

The launch of the handbook takes place in a context where responsible business practices are undergoing profound changes under the impact of international standards, increasingly stringent market requirements, and growing expectations from investors. Notably, the National Action Program on improving policies and laws to promote responsible business conduct for the 2023–2027 period demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to domesticating and promoting international standards, thereby enhancing corporate governance quality, strengthening transparency, and monitoring supply chains.

According to experts, the handbook is launched at a time when requirements related to sustainable business strategy practices, responsibility, and risk governance under ESG pillars (Environmental – Social – Governance) have become key factors in improving enterprises’ competitiveness and their ability to attract investment.

The Handbook on Responsible Business Conduct in the food and beverage industry is expected to become a useful reference document for the food and beverage business community, not only in complying with domestic legal regulations but also in proactively adapting to new requirements from export markets, international partners, and investors. The handbook contributes to supporting enterprises in building a foundation for sustainable development, enhancing reputation, and improving long-term competitiveness.