Honoring 100 Sustainable Companies: CSI Journey to Strengthen Business Capacity

10:13:38 AM | 12/26/2025

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in collaboration with the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD), held the Announcing Ceremony of Sustainable Companies in Vietnam 2025 under the theme “A New Chapter in the Green Era,” marking ten years of the Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) program, which recognizes and honors companies that practice responsible business.


On behalf of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc presents flowers in appreciation to the CSI Steering Committee

Dr. Ho Si Hung, President of VCCI and Head of the CSI 2025 Steering Committee, stated that the link between “development” and “responsibility” has never been stronger among businesses in Vietnam than it is today. He said that the first decade has laid the foundation for the program to enter a new phase and set higher goals. He emphasized that VCCI will not only evaluate companies but also support, encourage, guide, and connect them, enabling CSI to become an ecosystem that drives sustainable transformation nationwide. From a recognition program, he said, CSI aims to evolve into a source of new momentum where companies not only receive titles but also collaborate to shape the future of a green economy.

Appreciating the ten-year effort in developing the Corporate Sustainability Index and sustaining the CSI program, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc said that companies aiming to contribute to rapid and sustainable national development must extend a responsible mindset from leadership to every department, steadily building business models that create competitive advantage in international markets. He emphasized that stronger governance, transparency, and accountability through the CSI will help companies access green finance and seize opportunities arising from the growth of green markets and sustainable consumption.

To mark the tenth anniversary, the “CSI Star” trophy was presented to 11 companies that have remained in the Top 10 Sustainable Companies for more than five consecutive years. These companies were recognized for their stable strategies and strong commitment to sustainable development.


The “CSI Star” trophy awarded to companies that have secured the Top 10 Sustainable Companies title for more than five consecutive years

The CSI program 2025 attracted more than 500 companies nationwide, with 147 applications selected for official evaluation. More than 20% were first-time participants and about 30% were listed companies, the highest rate so far. The participation of many units from major corporations, including state-owned enterprises, reflected the program’s growing influence across the business community.

This year, the CSI introduced a separate index for small and micro enterprises for the first time, alongside the version for medium and large companies. As a result, small and micro enterprises were recognized in the Top 100 for the first time, helping to extend the sustainable development model to the segment that represents the largest share of the economy. Another new feature was the integration of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, into the submission and evaluation software, making participation easier and more convenient. This approach also aligns with the spirit of Resolution 68 on private sector economic development and Resolution 57 on promoting science, technology, and innovation.


Top 100 sustainable companies honored at the Announcing Ceremony of Sustainable Companies in Vietnam 2025

This year’s ceremony honored the 100 most sustainable businesses in manufacturing and trade services. In both groups, domestic companies accounted for 60% and foreign-invested companies for 40%, reflecting the significant progress of local enterprises in adopting sustainable business practices that were previously more common among foreign-invested firms.

Beyond the main awards, pioneering companies were also honored in two thematic categories: circular economy and greenhouse gas emission reduction, and breakthrough corporate governance. These topics have become top priorities globally as companies advance toward sustainable business models.

According to Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice President of VCCI, Chairman of VBCSD, and Deputy Head of the CSI 2025 Steering Committee, VCCI will continue to strengthen business support activities in line with national policies on private sector development, science and technology, and energy security. He said that the CSI program will be expanded as an important tool to reinforce internal capacity and generate greater added value for companies.

Ahead of the announcing ceremony, VBCSD-VCCI, in cooperation with Nestlé Vietnam and WWF Vietnam, organized a discussion on “Electrification in Production - Carbon Emission Reduction Solutions Toward Net Zero 2050,” which attracted strong interest from participating businesses.

By Huong Ly, Vietnam Business Forum