FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF HO CHI MINH CITY GREEN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (HGBA)

Đinh Hồng Kỳ – Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association (HGBA)

To: Businesses, Partners, and the Community Committed to Sustainable Development,

The establishment of the Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association (HGBA) on June 10, 2025, marks not merely an administrative milestone, but the beginning of a journey to build a green future—where businesses come together to take action for a sustainable, just, and prosperous Vietnam.

We are living in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. In this context, green transformation is no longer a choice, but a matter of survival for every nation and enterprise. Without action, climate change could cost Vietnam up to 14.5% of its GDP annually by 2050. Conversely, timely action presents a golden opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to reposition themselves in the global value chain.

The Government has demonstrated strong commitment through its Net Zero 2050 pledge, the JETP agreement, and the establishment of a carbon market. However, turning vision into reality requires businesses to take the lead. This is precisely why HGBA was founded.

We do not envision HGBA as an administrative organization, but rather as a network for action—where large enterprises guide smaller ones, where knowledge is shared, and where each member can begin or accelerate their green journey.

HGBA is built on four core values, derived from our very name:

• H – Harmony: Harmony between business and the environment, between economic benefits and social responsibility, between development and cooperation.
• G – Green: Putting the environment at the center of every strategic direction, integrating ESG and green standards into production and business operations.
• B – Boldness: The courage to pioneer, innovate, and lead.
• A – Advancement: Constantly driving innovation, adopting green technologies, and promoting sustainable business models.

HGBA is committed to accompanying businesses throughout the transformation journey—from accessing policies and green credit, to supply chain integration and connecting with international investment funds and resources. At the same time, we will be a voice that reflects practical realities and proposes actionable policy solutions to remove barriers for green businesses.

We believe that green investment is not a cost, but added value—a core competitive advantage, and a legacy for future generations.

Green transformation cannot be a solo effort. It requires the collective partnership of the Government – Businesses – Community. Above all, it requires a shift in mindset—from ‘wanting to go green but thinking brown’ to bold and concrete actions.

This journey will not be easy. But I believe that with the courage of Vietnamese businesses, the connection among like-minded allies, and the support of appropriate institutional frameworks, HGBA will become a driving force of green transformation—not only in Ho Chi Minh City, but across the nation.

We sincerely invite Businesses, Partners, and the Community to join HGBA on this journey—‘Connecting Green, Sustainable Future’.

Sincerely,

Đinh Hồng Kỳ

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association (HGBA)