HCMC – As emission reduction commitments and new technological trends reshape global trade flows, Vietnam’s industrial parks are at a pivotal crossroads. The question is no longer whether to pursue dual transformation, but how quickly they must act to stay competitive.
No transformation, no place in the game
As global climate policies tighten and major economies escalate the push for greener supply chains, the playing field for industrial producers is being radically redrawn. For Vietnam’s economy, which relies heavily on exports, industrial parks are under mounting pressure to adapt or risk losing their competitiveness.
New trade barriers are emerging. The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will soon impose tariffs based on the carbon footprint of imported goods, while other major markets, including Japan and Canada, are adopting stricter Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance requirements. Green credentials are no longer optional; they are becoming prerequisites for market access.
Vietnamese manufacturers that fall behind face stark consequences: carbon taxes, shrinking profit margins, and lost orders to competitors from other regional countries, which are moving swiftly to develop smart, sustainable industrial parks aligned with global ESG standards.
As the race to decarbonize accelerates, the message is clear: without rapid transformation, industrial players will find themselves locked out of the global market.
Sustainable formula for industrial park development
To stay competitive in a global market reshaped by green regulations and technological disruption, dual transformation—combining digitalization with sustainability—is no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative.
Digital transformation is moving beyond basic automation. Leading parks are deploying integrated management systems that connect entire operations through IoT sensors, cloud-based data platforms, and AI-driven analytics. Real-time energy monitoring, predictive maintenance, smart logistics, and automated environmental reporting are no longer future technologies – they are becoming the standard. For example, real-time data dashboards allow park managers to optimize energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and rapidly respond to incidents. AI-powered systems can forecast production demand and adjust energy use dynamically, cutting wastage and improving operational resilience.
Green transformation, meanwhile, demands a shift to renewable energy, circular economy practices, and sustainable resource management. It aligns facilities with ESG standards that have become a gateway for global investors and supply chain participation. Moreover, a growing number of international investors are tying funding to ESG performance. The IFC estimates that emerging markets could attract up to US$23 trillion in climate-smart investment opportunities by 2030, and industrial parks that adopt sustainable models are better positioned to secure these funds.
Achieving true dual transformation means digitalization and green practices must advance hand in hand. Smart technologies provide the foundation for accurate, real-time data collection, enabling companies to measure, report, and optimize their environmental performance. In parallel, sustainable operations create the conditions necessary to unlock the full potential of digital tools, ensuring that efficiency gains are aligned with broader environmental goals. It is this synergy – between intelligent systems and green infrastructure – that will define the next generation of industrial parks. Those that successfully integrate both elements will not only meet rising ESG expectations but also build lasting competitive advantages in a market increasingly shaped by sustainability and technological innovation.
Time to act
Vietnam has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Green finance programs and energy transition funds are opening significant opportunities for pioneering industrial parks.
However, success requires immediate action. Businesses must start now by developing transformation roadmaps, investing in clean technologies, and upgrading corporate governance in line with ESG standards.
To support this transition, The Saigon Times in collaboration with Green Transition Consulting & Training will jointly organize the ESG Forum 2025 themed “Dual Transformation Toward Eco-Industrial Parks” on June 25, 2025, at Saigon Prince Hotel, 63 Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.
The forum is expected to gather a diverse community of policymakers, corporate executives, sustainability experts, and investors to share insights, present successful case studies, and propose actionable solutions to accelerate dual transformation in Vietnam’s industrial parks.
It will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and a networking buffet lunch in the morning, followed by masterclasses and workshops in the afternoon.
In line with its commitment to climate responsibility, the forum organizers will procure carbon credits to fully offset emissions generated by the event – covering venue operations and participant travel – reinforcing the event’s dedication to sustainable practices.
Registration is now available. Secure your spot here.
For further information, please contact Ms. Kim Ngan at 0932 626 094, email: [email protected]
