Vietnam Enterprises Face Net Zero Test of Practical Capability in New Era

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) organized the World Energy and Environment Forum – Vietnam 2026, with the theme "Vietnam Operationalizing the Path to Net Zero." The forum focused on the pressing question for the business community on how to translate sustainable development commitments into reality amidst a dynamic and volatile market. Speaking at the forum, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of VCCI, stated that while the government acts as the institution builder, businesses are the vanguard in transforming sustainable development goals into concrete actions. However, he candidly acknowledged that many enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized ones, still face significant challenges in capital, technology, human resources, emissions data, and ESG management capabilities. Also at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang announced that the government is continuing to perfect mechanisms and policies, with environmental protection, green transition, and energy shift as the foundation for development. To realize the Net Zero roadmap, the government is focusing on four major directions: a suitable energy transition, ensuring growth does not come at the expense of the environment, developing green finance and carbon markets, and promoting the proactive role of businesses and localities in investing in clean technology, practicing ESG, and implementing green projects. [Image: Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang speaking at the forum] Under pressure from markets, investors, and supply chains, enterprises are now evaluated not just by their stated commitments but by their operations, management, resource utilization, and long-term adaptability. This presents a new test for businesses: practicing sustainable development and demonstrating measurable results. This reality places a greater role on leading enterprises. With their large scale, wide reach, and ability to impact the entire value chain, these enterprises are expected to become leverage points for implementation through changes in operations, supplier selection standards, resource management, and the creation of long-term value. Mr. Larry Lee, Deputy General Director in charge of Strategic Assets and Sustainable Development at Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO), stated: "Every improvement SABECO makes in energy use, water efficiency, packaging optimization, logistics, supplier standards, or human development can create positive impacts across the entire ecosystem. That is why sustainable development at SABECO is not confined to a few isolated projects but is reflected in how the business operates more effectively each day. This is demonstrated through the modernization of operational processes, human resource development, strengthening the product portfolio, and continuously improving operational efficiency to continue accompanying Vietnam's development." [Image: Larry Lee – Deputy General Director of SABECO – presenting at the forum] SABECO operates 26 breweries, 11 trading companies, a supply chain company, a transportation company, and a distribution network covering over 200,000 points of sale nationwide. Given its scale, any innovation in energy use, water management, waste reduction, supplier standard enhancement, or human resource development has a significant influence on the entire value chain, from suppliers and distributors to consumers and the community. According to SABECO, the company has proactively linked key ESG factors with operational challenges, risk management, and long-term adaptability, moving beyond mere policy compliance. Recognizing these efforts, SABECO was awarded the "Green Enterprise – Net Zero Action 2026" title at the forum by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang and VCCI Chairman Ho Sy Hung. The evaluation was based on references to tools, assessment frameworks, and specialized publications from the World Energy Council (WEC), combined with VCCI's implementation experience in Vietnam. Participating enterprises were assessed on various criteria, including emission reduction, socio-economic efficiency, technological innovation, and sustainable development impact. With over 150 years of development alongside the country, SABECO is entering a new phase with a dual challenge: maintaining growth while remaining relevant in an economic context that demands greater corporate responsibility to achieve Net Zero goals. Mr. Lee affirmed: "The next ten to twenty years will be a crucial period of transformation for Vietnam. And certainly, SABECO will remain a part of that development momentum. We will continue to modernize our operations, improve processes, develop our people, strengthen our product portfolio, and grow responsibly alongside the country." [Image: Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang and VCCI Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang Vinh visiting SABECO's exhibition booth at the forum] Through the content presented and discussed at this year's forum, strong shifts from both government and businesses towards realizing Net Zero commitments are clearly evident and are gradually moving into orbit. If previously scale or market share were important metrics, in this stage, corporate competitiveness is determined by responsible transformation capabilities, efficient management, and the ability to create sustainable value for the entire ecosystem. On the path ahead, sustainable development will become an integral part of the operational machinery, as well as part of the long-term adaptation plans and preparations for the next development phase for the business community in Vietnam.