Vietnamese translation of the GRI standards has been launched.

The event aims to remove language barriers, help businesses standardize ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting, enhance climate risk management capabilities, and unlock green capital globally.

From July 29th, the latest versions of the GRI standards are officially available in Vietnamese translation, helping organizations and businesses report transparently on impacts in line with global practices. The complete translated document includes the overall GRI standards, industry standards, and subject standards.

According to the organizers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam account for approximately 98% of the economy, contributing nearly 50% to GDP, creating 50% of jobs, and representing 17% of export revenue.

Despite playing a pivotal role in the economy, the English language barrier is a major factor silently hindering SMEs from disclosing ESG data. Providing free access to the world’s most widely adopted sustainability reporting standards in native languages ​​would help businesses overcome this difficulty, making it easier to quantify and disclose their impact on the economy, environment, and people.

Opening the event, Mr. Werner Bardill, Consul General of Switzerland in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that sustainable economic development requires strong institutions, responsible businesses, and a favorable environment for competition. Global value chains are increasingly shaped by expectations of transparency. International customers and investors are not only interested in the product itself, but also in the production methods and their impact on the community.

According to Werner Bardill, Switzerland has been promoting responsible business practices globally since 2012. Notably, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries provides a framework for strengthening economic relations. In particular, transparent reporting helps businesses connect effectively with international networks.

Esther An, GRI Board Member and Director of Sustainability at City Developments Limited, said sustainability reports build trust and help organizations make better decisions. Providing reliable information about impacts helps businesses strengthen their resilience, attract investment, and enhance their competitiveness in a globalized economy.

Regarding the implementation process, Mr. Nguyen Cong Minh Bao, GRI Country Director in Vietnam, said that the program is coordinating with the State Securities Commission and stock exchanges to review the legal system. The goal is to prepare for the issuance of guidance documents on ESG disclosure according to Circular 96 for listed companies in Q3/2026.

In addition, the STAR Accelerator program, aimed at accelerating the dual transformation towards sustainable development, is being implemented with support from the Department of Private and Collective Economic Development (APED) under the Ministry of Finance, providing practical tools to help SMEs practice reporting and compliance.

At the event, Golden Gate BCE signed a strategic cooperation agreement with LPF FUND Co., Ltd. Commenting on this development, Mr. Huynh Quoc Khanh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of LPF FUND Co., Ltd., said that each stage of development requires a common language to connect the world. That language has now expanded from product quality to transparency and accountability.

Accordingly, the GRI standards provide a platform for Vietnamese businesses to use a common “ESG language” with the global investment community, enabling them to participate deeply in global value chains and access long-term capital flows.

Source : baohaiphong.vn