Need green mindset for sustainable development

Enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses and startups, are now operating in a production and business environment that has evolved significantly from before. To meet the stringent requirements of partners and major corporations, production must adhere to established standards.

Products of a supporting industry enterprise in Dong Nai province. Photo: Van Gia

As sustainable development becomes an inevitable goal, businesses must adopt a mindset of transformation and develop their own green growth strategies to integrate effectively. At the same time, to support this transition, there is a need to refine the vision further, thinking, and legal frameworks behind development policies.

Efforts for green development

Nguyen Tan Loc, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GSB Steel Structure Joint Stock Company (based in Tan Trieu Ward), a business specializing in providing factory construction solutions for partners and enterprises in the province, said: For industrial projects, steel components account for a considerable share of building materials and play a key role in determining the project's environmental sustainability. In line with the trend toward sustainable development, the company has consistently sought optimal construction solutions that both reduce costs for partners and aim to deliver sustainable, environmentally friendly buildings. GSB has partnered with many clients, including those from Australia, to develop factories that optimize energy use and better align with the green development goals pursued by both individual businesses and the government.

In logistics, green development is also a criterion that many enterprises pursue to enhance adaptability to partner requirements. Mekong Logistics Co., Ltd. (Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park, Tran Bien ward) has 50 partners, most of whom are foreign enterprises in the industrial park.

According to Director Dang Thi Bich Loan, working with major partners has enabled the company to gain experience, innovate workflows, and apply Industry 4.0 technologies in operations and service delivery. From this foundation, Mekong has been more confident in investing, moving towards high-quality green logistics services, expanding its scale, and service capacity.

Similarly, despite being a newly launched startup, Moc Coffee Mr Cong (Long Khanh Ward) set high standards for its products from the outset. Owner Le Thanh Cong shared that the brand's "4 Zero" commitment includes zero artificial flavoring, zero coloring, zero additives, and zero preservatives. The business focuses on modern roasting and grinding processes to ensure product quality, while also developing packaging designs that meet OCOP standards to reach customers better.

Dong Nai has a large community of SMEs, with its role as a connecting hub, the Dong Nai Young Entrepreneurs' Association encourages member enterprises to move towards sustainable development. The Association constantly strives to act as a bridge, creating forums and programs for enterprises to connect, cooperate, and grow together, especially in manufacturing, export, and supporting industries.

Dang Quoc Nghi, Chairman of the Dong Nai Young Entrepreneurs Association

Multilateral approach to transition

In Vietnam generally, and in Dong Nai in particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up the majority of the business community. How to support them in effectively joining the race toward sustainability is a critical issue. According to experts, for the green transition of enterprises to be truly effective and substantive, it is essential to implement the national green growth strategy urgently, improve the legal framework, mobilize resources for green credit, and encourage credit institutions to increase lending to innovative businesses and SMEs. Credit guarantee funds should also be effectively implemented to enhance SME access to financing in pursuit of their green development goals.

Investing in modern machinery and technology is a solution for enterprises to achieve sustainable development.

Enterprises must take the initiative in practicing green management, aiming to create products that generate positive social and environmental impacts. In addition to seeking access to green financing from both domestic and international financial institutions, business owners also need to be flexible in shifting their mindset and proactively explore green capital sources available on the market. For example, wood production and processing rely on natural raw materials, making sustainable development a top priority, particularly in meeting the stringent requirements of export markets.

According to Vo Quang Ha, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Wood and Handicraft Association (Dowa) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tan Vinh Cuu Joint Stock Company (based in Long Binh Ward), the wood industry in Dong Nai is not only investing in machinery and technology but also aiming to take the lead in building an ecosystem for sustainable wood production. Dowa is working to strengthen linkages and cooperation among organizations, forest growers, manufacturers, and businesses to create a closed-loop chain from afforestation to production and consumption. At the same time, Dowa is collaborating with corporations, enterprises, and international organizations to introduce green development programs into the operations of its member companies.

By: Vuong The

Translated by: Minh Hanh - Minho