• GRI relaunches Vietnam program with Swiss SECO backing to strengthen ESG data, reporting capacity, and policy engagement
• New STAR Accelerator targets SMEs, linking sustainability reporting to market access and sustainable finance
• Move aligns Vietnam’s fast-growing economy with rising global demand for standardized, decision-useful ESG disclosures

The Global Reporting Initiative is reestablishing its presence in Vietnam with a new national program aimed at strengthening corporate transparency and scaling sustainability reporting across one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Backed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, the initiative reflects rising pressure from global investors, regulators, and supply chain partners for credible ESG data.

The program is designed to embed sustainability reporting into Vietnam’s corporate landscape, with a strong focus on improving how companies collect, manage, and use ESG data. It also deepens engagement with policymakers, signaling closer alignment between corporate disclosures and national development priorities.

Throughout 2026, GRI plans to convene business associations, listed firms, and sustainability leaders through national forums and stock exchange events, positioning ESG reporting as both a governance tool and a competitive advantage.

STAR Accelerator Targets SME Transition

A central component of the rollout is the Sustainability Twin transition And Reporting Accelerator Program, developed in partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance through its Agency for Private Enterprise and Cooperative Development.

The STAR Accelerator is designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for the majority of Vietnam’s economic activity but often lack the resources to implement structured ESG reporting. The program will provide practical tools, technical guidance, and frameworks aligned with global standards, helping SMEs translate sustainability efforts into measurable, reportable outcomes.

This linkage between reporting and finance is critical. As global capital increasingly flows toward companies with transparent ESG profiles, SMEs that adopt standardized disclosures are better positioned to access export markets, secure investment, and integrate into international value chains.

Governance and Data Quality Move to the Forefront

Beyond corporate uptake, the initiative places strong emphasis on policy engagement. By working closely with regulators and market institutions, GRI aims to strengthen the institutional backbone required for consistent ESG disclosures.

Improving the quality and usability of sustainability data is a priority. Reliable ESG metrics are becoming essential for risk assessment, capital allocation, and regulatory compliance. Vietnam’s policymakers are increasingly aware that without robust reporting frameworks, companies risk being excluded from global supply chains that are tightening sustainability requirements.

This effort comes as global reporting standards gain traction across Asia, with governments and exchanges moving toward mandatory or semi-mandatory disclosure regimes.

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Leadership and Market Context

The program will be led by Bao Nguyen, who previously managed GRI’s Vietnam activities from 2017 to 2020 and brings extensive experience in corporate sustainability across business, government, and civil society. His leadership signals continuity as well as an expanded mandate.

“This is an exciting moment for GRI to expand engagement in Vietnam. As one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, Vietnam is playing an increasingly important role in global value chains, creating both challenges and opportunities for companies – especially SMEs, which form the backbone of the economy. Demand for credible sustainability reporting is rising from both global stakeholders and domestic regulators. As a result, more companies are turning to globally recognized reporting standards, such as GRI’s, to strengthen resilience, competitiveness and long-term growth.”

Vietnam’s rapid industrialization and integration into global trade networks have elevated expectations around transparency. Multinational buyers, financial institutions, and regulators are demanding consistent ESG disclosures, particularly in sectors tied to manufacturing, exports, and infrastructure.

What This Means for Executives and Investors

For corporate leaders, the expansion signals a shift from voluntary ESG narratives to structured, data-driven reporting aligned with global frameworks. Companies that move early stand to gain improved access to capital, stronger stakeholder trust, and resilience against tightening regulatory requirements.

For investors, the initiative improves visibility into Vietnamese companies’ ESG performance, reducing information asymmetry and enabling more precise risk pricing.

At a regional level, GRI’s renewed presence reinforces Southeast Asia’s trajectory toward standardized sustainability reporting. As Vietnam deepens its role in global value chains, the ability of its companies to produce credible ESG data will increasingly shape trade access, investment flows, and long-term competitiveness.

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