Vietnamese businesses strengthen supply chain links for green exports

Green standards are becoming increasingly important for access to international markets. For businesses, meeting these requirements takes more than investing in technology and cutting emissions. It also calls for closer coordination throughout the supply chain, from raw material sourcing and production to logistics and distribution.

Dong Nai has significant export potential for agricultural and processed products. Tan Trieu pomelos are on display at the 2026 Vietnam Outstanding Export Products Fair.

Closer supply chain cooperation can help businesses lower the cost of going green, strengthen their competitiveness and open up new export opportunities.

Building links to retain markets

The green transition is no longer a concern for large companies alone. It is reshaping entire export supply chains, as every stage,  from raw material sourcing and production to transportation, influences whether suppliers can meet international buyers' requirements.

At the “Strengthening Connectivity Towards Green Exports” forum, held on October 22 as part of the 2026 Vietnam Outstanding Export Products Fair, experts called for closer cooperation among businesses, suppliers, industry associations and other supply chain partners. Stricter environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements are putting greater pressure on exporters to improve both their products and their business practices.

By October 15, 2026, Vietnam's merchandise exports had reached US$463.7 billion, up 25.9% from a year earlier. Exports in the first half of October alone totaled US$29.25 billion, an increase of 50.6% year on year.

Alberto Vettoretti, CEO of Ascentium ASEAN (Special Markets), part of Singapore-headquartered Ascentium, said Vietnam stood to benefit from the global shift toward supply chain diversification. To capitalize on these opportunities, businesses must meet partners' expectations for product quality, production capacity and reliable order fulfillment. Suppliers that fail to meet the required standards will struggle to compete on price alone.

Ma Thanh Loan, General Director of Auxesia Holdings Co., Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City, said businesses seeking green financing needed to prepare the required documentation and clear transition plans. This is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often have limited resources even as greener production requires substantial investment.

When businesses work in isolation to interpret regulations, invest in systems and manage their supply chains, the cost of going green can rise significantly. Closer cooperation between exporters and suppliers can help standardize raw material specifications, share information and build quality controls into production from the outset. Logistics providers can help optimize shipping, while financial institutions can provide funding to support the transition and meet market requirements.

Exploring export opportunities

As global trade patterns shift, Vietnamese products continue to have opportunities in major export markets. Capitalizing on them will require suppliers to meet increasingly stringent buyer requirements. The pressure to adopt greener practices is particularly strong in sectors such as wood processing, agriculture and food production. Businesses must ensure that raw materials are legally sourced and traceable, while maintaining product quality and food safety. Factories also need to improve energy efficiency and emissions management to meet buyers' supplier-assessment criteria.

At the 2026 Vietnam Outstanding Export Products Fair, consumer goods manufacturers from Dong Nai sought international buyers and explored the requirements for entering overseas markets.

Le Thi Cam Van, Director of Vfarm Trading Service Company Limited in Trang Dai ward, said trade promotion programs gave SMEs opportunities to showcase their products, find partners and enter new markets. At the fair, her company met with potential partners from India and Cambodia to discuss exporting its products to the two countries.

Winning customers is only part of the challenge; businesses must also ensure reliable supply and consistent product quality. Stronger links among exporters, cooperatives, production facilities and local suppliers can stabilize supplies, improve quality control and support larger orders. These partnerships can help businesses reach more customers, add value to local products and secure a stronger position in export supply chains.

Choosing the right logistics options can also help control shipping costs, especially when order sizes remain small. Scott Humanek, Group Director of Global Inbound at US retail giant Walmart, said complex supply chains require simple, flexible and highly reliable processes. Walmart has introduced logistics solutions to help Vietnamese businesses ship goods to the United States and reach customers in North America, offering both full-container-load (FCL) and less-than-container-load (LCL) services.

Humanek said businesses seeking to turn initial contacts into contracts needed to provide clear, complete information on their products, pricing, production capacity, delivery schedules and quality certifications. In markets with stringent green requirements, they must also be able to verify the origins of raw materials and demonstrate transparency throughout the production process.

By V. The – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho