GRI strengthens presence in Vietnam to drive corporate transparency

March 19, 2026 Neel Achary business 0

Amsterdam, Mar 19th: GRI has launched a new program in Vietnam to strengthen and increase sustainability reporting practices, enabling companies of all sizes to unlock the benefits of data-driven sustainability insights.

With support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the program reestablishes GRI’s presence in Vietnam and aims to build sustainability reporting capacity among Vietnamese businesses through partnerships with key stakeholders.

Priority work is focused on strengthening policy engagement and improving the collection and use of ESG data to support sustainable outcomes. During 2026, GRI will be engaging extensively with business associations, listed companies and sustainability leaders through national forums and stock exchange events.

A key milestone this year is the launch of the Sustainability Twin transition And Reporting (STAR) Accelerator Program, developed by GRI and Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance through its Agency for Private Enterprise and corporative Development (APED). The program will equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with practical sustainability reporting tools and guidance, supporting access to global markets and sustainable finance.

The program will be led by Bao Nguyen. Bao, who managed GRI’s previous Vietnam program (2017-2020), has a track record in corporate sustainability leadership, working closely with business, government and civil society, including serving for a decade as Vice-Chair of the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Bao Nguyen said: “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.”

Call for language peer reviewers

To grow GRI’s relevance and adoption in Vietnam, the full suite of the GRI Standards are to be translated into Vietnamese, starting with the Universal Standards followed by Sector Standards. To complete this initial phase, GRI is seeking volunteer peer reviewers with expertise in sustainability reporting, sector-specific impacts and/or English-Vietnamese translation.

Peer reviewers will support the technical development review process to ensure accuracy, consistency and alignment with Vietnamese business practices. Those interested in contributing can contact Bao Nguyen for further information.