Vietnamese businesses shift from ESG ambition to measurable action

Sustainability and governance are no longer optional in Việt Nam. PwC Vietnam’s ESG Progress Tracker Survey Report 2025 reveals 89 per cent of companies have made or plan to make ESG commitments within two to four years, up from 80 per cent in 2022.

Of the 174 respondents, 54 per cent have already implemented ESG commitments, while only 11 per cent have no plans—nearly half the 2022 figure. Foreign-invested enterprises remain frontrunners, with 71 per cent having acted on commitments, while listed companies are rapidly catching up at 57 per cent. Private businesses, however, continue to lag behind.

The report highlights a decisive pivot from planning to measurable progress, with 61 per cent of businesses developing or partially implementing ESG strategies. Formal leadership is also emerging: 68 per cent of boards are involved in ESG, and 75 per cent have appointed an ESG leader.

PwC emphasised that the challenge has shifted from awareness to capability. Businesses must now build the systems and skills to transform ESG data into a strategic asset. Digital transformation is identified as critical for moving ESG beyond compliance to driving efficiency, resilience, and long-term value.

“The choices made by leaders today will determine Việt Nam’s capacity to build a sustainable, inclusive and future-ready economy,” said Nguyễn Hoàng Nam, PwC Vietnam’s ESG Leader.

As Andrew Chan of PwC Malaysia added, “New ESG regulations aren’t a risk; they are the single greatest opportunity for differentiation we have today."

Discover the full article for Việt Nam’s business landscape in the complete report.