Vương Đình Soái (first from right), chairman of ESG Green Store Investment Development Joint Stock Company, at the launch of the ESG Store initiative at Vincom Plaza Cộng Hòa in HCM City on December 1. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — The ‘ESG Store’, an initiative aimed at advancing sustainable business practices, has opened at Vincom Plaza Cộng Hòa in HCM City's Tân Bình District.

The 'ESG (Environment, Society, and Governance) Store' promotes environmentally sustainable products and corporate social responsibility.

The initiative aims to support sustainable development in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and healthcare while preserving national culture.

The ‘ESG Store’ will offer a curated selection of high-quality, safe products, including organic goods from traditional craft villages in Việt Nam.

The scope of the project will extend beyond Vincom Plaza Cộng Hòa to include Vincom Plaza locations across 63 provinces nationwide.

Speaking at the launch on Sunday, Vương Đình Soái, chairman of ESG Green Store Investment Development Joint Stock Company, said the initiative aims to inspire businesses to embrace green startups that promote local agriculture and sustainable development.

Committed to fostering a green economy, it seeks to position Việt Nam as a leader in sustainable development globally.

“Việt Nam Green Movement”

The inauguration event was held as part of the “Việt Nam Green Movement,” a project by the ESG Green Store Investment Development Joint Stock Company in collaboration with the HCM City Nature and Environment Protection Association and Tân Bình District Red Cross Society.

The project seeks to involve the community and businesses in creating 'green stores' that use locally sourced agricultural products and promote sustainable practices.

It will include events to encourage sustainable business methods among enterprises.

Experts highlighted that promoting green growth is vital for economic development and national competitiveness in a globalised world.

Major enterprises should adopt ESG criteria for significant progress, as ESG is a benchmark for sustainable development and many of Việt Nam’s trading partners have strict requirements, they recommended.

However, many Vietnamese companies struggle to balance growth with environmental and social responsibilities amid rising costs. — VNS