This ranking programme aims to establish data on sustainable development, assisting the Government and relevant social organisations in formulating practical policies to support businesses in their sustainable growth. This effort aligns with Vietnam's commitments made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) to realise net-zero emission goals by 2050. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of addressing climate change through initiatives in clean energy development, sustainable infrastructure, smart water management, and ecosystem resource management.

Mr Nguyen An Duy (middle), Deputy General Director, in charge of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Imexpharm, represents the company to recieve the Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards. Photo: Imexpharm

With 14 award categories based on the three pillars of Environment – Social – Governance (ESG) practices, the programme acknowledges and honours companies across all three categories: FDI, listed, and unlisted, that contribute to sustainable development, environmental friendliness, and social equity.

As a publicly listed pharmaceutical company with significant market capitalisation in the industry, Imexpharm has effectively leveraged its sustainable development model within the pharmaceutical sector. Since its inception, Imexpharm has pursued sustainable development goals for the community's benefit. Imexpharm stands as Vietnam’s largest pharmaceutical company with EU-GMP certification, boasting three EU-GMP facilities and 11 EU-GMP production lines. Its early investment in high-quality manufacturing technology has facilitated continuous growth, establishing Imexpharm as the top provider of antibiotics in Vietnam.

Imexpharm currently holds a leading competitive advantage over domestic pharmaceutical companies through its strategy of constructing EU-GMP certified facilities and making substantial investments in research and development (R&D). The company leads the trend in EU-GMP factory investments and is well-positioned for a golden period of growth, having already established four manufacturing plants meeting international quality standards.

“We believe that pursuing sustainable development goals will enable our company to continue achieving high growth by providing the market with Vietnamese pharmaceutical products under the Imexpharm brand that meet European quality standards,” said People's Doctor, Pharmacist Trần Thị Đào, General Director of Imexpharm.

Imexpharm participated in the "For a Green Vietnam" program with 500 saplings planted in the coastal city of Nha Trang. Photo: Imexpharm

The healthcare sector and pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to foster community prosperity. With a vision of long-term growth and the motto 'Sharing for Sustainability,' Imexpharm’s sustainable development strategy is built on five core pillars: people, environment, prosperity, collaboration, and building a strong, compassionate organisation.

Imexpharm has achieved significant environmental milestones through its comprehensive sustainability practices, including energy savings, medical waste management, and green initiatives. All of Imexpharm’s facilities are equipped with wastewater treatment systems meeting strict standards. These systems ensure that all wastewater is treated according to ISO 14001:2015 standards before being released into the environment. On the social front, the company fulfils its social responsibilities by providing stable, sustainable employment, contributing to local economic growth, meeting tax obligations, and participating in various social welfare programmes.

As an early public company listed since 2006, Imexpharm is committed to becoming a leader in sustainable development across all operations. Imexpharm was also recently recognized for its inclusion in the VN Sustainability Index (VNSI) by the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HOSE) in July 2024.

This dedication is evidenced by the numerous awards the company received in 2023, including: Top 10 mid-cap companies with the best corporate governance, 50 Best Listed Companies in Vietnam 2023, Top 10 reputable pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in 2023, Ngôi Sao Thuốc Việt Award, Top 50 Typical Sustainable Development Enterprises, Top 5 Best Workplaces in Healthcare, and the Board of The Year Award 2023 by the Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD) for its good and diverse governance structures, along with Imexpharm stock being ranked in the Top 20 Sustainable Development Stocks for the second consecutive year.

Simultaneously, the company has achieved record-breaking business results, with a 17.5 per cent annual compound growth rate in EBITDA over the past five years, positioning it towards its goal of reaching half a billion USD in revenue. These achievements underscore and validate Imexpharm's corporate governance model, increasingly scientific and professional. As a leading Vietnamese pharmaceutical company, Imexpharm meets international standards of good governance and aligns with its sustainable development strategy based on ESG criteria.

“Investing in ESG is an opportunity to demonstrate our company's vision and mission in addressing community issues. This foundation has enabled us to promote sustainable practices, thereby fostering innovation and operational as well as business efficiency in line with international standards,” said Imexpharm's General Director.

According to Imexpharm’s leadership, the company is making strides towards a more sustainable future by incorporating ESG factors into its development strategy. This holistic approach involves assessing environmental impacts from the outset of drug development and product formulation. It encompasses the use of less toxic chemicals, pursuit of more efficient production methods, and design of processes to minimise waste. Additionally, the company is establishing a green manufacturing foundation, aiming to reduce environmental impact during production by utilising renewable energy sources, minimising water usage, and optimising processes. At the same time, Imexpharm is committed to creating a sustainable supply chain, ensuring responsible sourcing of raw materials and minimising emissions in transportation, crucial aspects of a sustainable supply chain.

Imexpharm's manufacturing experience and EU-GMP certified production lines equip the company with the capability to meet international quality standards, opening opportunities to join the global pharmaceutical supply chain. With high-quality products meeting European standards, Imexpharm has successfully exported to new markets such as Mongolia and signed export contracts with markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. These strategies lay the groundwork for the company’s vision for 2030, with expectations of tripling revenue, marking a significant step in solidifying Imexpharm's position in the global market.

The achievements of leading pharmaceutical companies like Imexpharm contribute to realising the pharmaceutical industry's development strategy up to 2030 and the vision for 2045, aiming to position Vietnam as a high-value pharmaceutical production hub in the region.

“Integrating ESG principles requires significant investment and effort. Balancing profitability with environmental sustainability and social responsibility in the pharmaceutical sector can be challenging. Nevertheless, pharmaceutical companies embracing ESG principles will be well-positioned for long-term success and to contribute to a prosperous and sustainable community,” said Imexpharm's General Director.