Launching a tool to help businesses access sustainable finance

London [UK], October 5: The British Embassy in Hanoi announced on October 4 that the first handbook on implementing and disclosing Environmental, Social and Governance information (ESG Handbook) has been officially launched to the Vietnamese business community.
The first ESG handbook in Vietnam will equip businesses with the necessary tools to respond to challenges and take advantage of opportunities from climate change .
Through the new support tool, businesses can access guidance and reference materials to integrate ESG into their governance and operations strategies, thereby helping businesses respond to risks and take advantage of opportunities related to sustainable development (SD).
This is part of the information given at the workshop "Introduction and instructions for using the Handbook on ESG information implementation and disclosure" held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on October 2 and 4, respectively.
Attending the event were representatives from the State Securities Commission (SSC), the British Embassy and Consulate General in Vietnam, the Asia Vietnam Foundation...
At the workshop, Mr. Vu Chi Dung, Director of the International Cooperation Department of the State Securities Commission, said, "Enterprises that want to maintain and affirm their position domestically and internationally, and access sustainable capital sources, need to integrate ESG into their governance and operational strategies. On that basis, the State Securities Commission hopes that the ESG Handbook will be a useful guide for businesses to deploy and develop ESG reports."
According to statistics, 90% of global investment organizations will reconsider investments if businesses do not consider ESG criteria in their business models.
Mr. Fergus McBean, First Secretary for Climate and Nature at the British Embassy, ​​commented that Vietnamese businesses quickly integrating ESG into their strategies and investments will ensure better response to the requirements of international markets, especially in the UK and Europe, thereby bringing significant benefits.
Mr. Michael Digregorio, Head of Asia Fund Vietnam, noted the increasing importance of climate-related risks for organizations and businesses globally, including financial institutions.
These include physical risks - such as Typhoon Yagi - and transition risks such as rising carbon taxes or carbon border adjustment costs. In addition, Michael said businesses should also take advantage of opportunities such as lower-interest sustainability-related loans.
Implementing and improving the quality of ESG information disclosure is an opportunity for businesses to communicate and demonstrate the effectiveness and environmental, social and governance impacts of their projects and business operations
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper