Hanoi (VNA) – The 24th ASEAN Federation of Accountants Conference (AFA 24) officially took place in Hanoi on October 30 under the theme “Green Finance and Accounting – Shaping a Sustainable Future”.
The event gathered top experts, leaders, and enterprises in the accounting, auditing, and financial sectors from across ASEAN and beyond. It marked an important milestone as Vietnam holds the AFA Chairmanship for the 2024–2025 term.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Doan Xuan Tien, President of the AFA and Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Accountants and Auditors (VAA), said the AFA 24 is not only a key event for the regional accountant and auditor community but also an opportunity to review the federation’s major achievements and set directions for future cooperation.
During its chairmanship, Vietnam has introduced a range of initiatives to advance the development of accounting and auditing in ASEAN. These efforts have helped enhance professional competence and strengthen long-term cooperation among member organisations.
Tien highlighted the AFA’s progress in harmonising regional accounting and auditing standards, which has contributed to a more transparent and unified foundation, helping reinforce investor and business confidence.
Amid the global transition toward sustainable development, the AFA has been proactive in encouraging the adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and promoting sustainability reporting among ASEAN businesses, helping ensure business activities not only generate economic benefits but also contribute to the environment and society.
Tien expressed gratitude to ASEAN member states, professional organisations, and the regional accountant – auditor community for their strong cooperation with and support for Vietnam during its AFA leadership. He also congratulated Indonesia, which will assume the AFA Chairmanship for the 2026–2027 term, and said he believes the country will build on the obtained accomplishments to help the AFA develop more strongly and contribute more to the shared prosperity of ASEAN.
Addressing the conference, Deputy Minister of Finance Le Tan Can underscored that information transparency and reliability are the foundation of trust and the key to ensuring capital flows are channelled effectively toward sustainable development.
He said Vietnam is committed to working with ASEAN and the global community in promoting green development, inclusive growth, and transparent governance. Its Government views the adoption of international accounting and auditing standards as a crucial step in building a transparent and healthy capital market and improving national competitiveness.
Can proposed that the AFA 24 agree on a feasible implementation roadmap – starting with core and easy-to-apply requirements and, at the same time, enhancing capacity for accountants and auditors. He also stressed the need to develop efficient data-sharing systems to ensure the transparency, credibility, and efficiency of green capital flows.
Following the official handover of the AFA Chairmanship from Vietnam to Indonesia, the conference featured three panel sessions on sustainability accounting and reporting, green financial models and practices, and training, technology, and sustainable future./.
