A workshop in Ho Chi Minh City on December 3 helped businesses identify their potential of resources and all possible support tools on way to achieving sustainable growth.

Nguyen Quang Vinh, Director of the Office for Business Sustainable Development and General Secretary of the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD), said businesses play a role in creating economic value and a healthy community lifestyle, adding that sustainable development now requires a harmonious and close combination between socio-economic progress and environment protection.

Commenting on the corporate path to sustainable development in Asia, Regional Director of Edelman’s Sustainability Practices in Asia-Pacific Ashley Hegland said not many firms are committed to the sustainable growth, through strategically incorporating sustainability into all business operations.

Foreign and domestic attendees introduced new trends in sustainable development, including strategies to create growth fuelled by green industries and consumer behaviours.

VBSD sees the facilitation of dialogues on sustainability between business community, the government and social organisations as its key role in the coming time, its representative said.

Recently, several social projects launched by enterprises have proved fruitful, including Saigontourist’s charity activities for visually-impaired children, PepsiCo Vietnam’s environment protection campaign and Holcim Vietnam ’s efforts to preserve biodiversity.

The workshop was co-hosted by Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD), Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and WWF-Vietnam.-VNA