In a context where sustainable development has become an inevitable trend of the global economy, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria are increasingly playing a central role in the development strategies of financial and banking institutions. With a long-term vision and a strong sense of responsibility as a state-owned commercial bank playing a key role in agriculture, rural areas and farmers, the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) has identified ESG not merely as a compliance requirement, but as a core foundation for advancing sustainable value and accompanying the country’s socio-economic development.

At an early stage, Agribank proactively laid the foundation for ESG integration by gradually incorporating ESG principles into its long-term development orientation, governance and management framework, risk management processes, and business operations across the system. Policies and mechanisms related to environmental and social risk management in credit activities have been continuously strengthened to promote effective capital allocation, mitigate adverse environmental and social impacts, and encourage sustainable production and business models. At the same time, Agribank places strong emphasis on enhancing ESG awareness among employees through training programs and internal communication initiatives, thereby fostering a culture of sustainable development closely associated with social responsibility and professional ethics.

From a business perspective, Agribank has identified the “greening of capital flows” as a key pillar of its ESG strategy. Agribank has rolled out a number of large-scale preferential credit programs to support green projects, clean agriculture, high-tech agriculture, renewable energy development and circular economy models. In particular, Agribank actively accompanies the agricultural and rural sectors through financing programs that promote sustainable production, processing and consumption linkages with lower emissions and stronger climate resilience, especially in the Mekong Delta region. Through these initiatives, Agribank not only provides capital but also contributes to advancing the transformation of the agricultural economic structure toward greater efficiency, modernity and environmental sustainability.

In addition to environmental considerations, Agribank consistently places strong emphasis on the social pillar of ESG. Social welfare activities, financial inclusion initiatives, support for vulnerable groups, and contributions to education, healthcare and new rural development have been widely implemented nationwide. At the same time, Agribank continues to accelerate digital transformation and develop modern, convenient banking products and services, helping individuals and businesses—particularly in rural, remote and disadvantaged areas—gain improved access to formal financial services. In terms of governance, Agribank continuously enhances transparency, operational efficiency and compliance with modern governance standards, recognizing these factors as essential to strengthening trust among customers, partners and society.

Agribank’s persistent efforts in implementing ESG have delivered positive outcomes and received broad recognition. In 2025, Agribank was honored among the Top 100 Green ESG Enterprises in Vietnam and the Top 10 ESG Enterprises in the Banking sector, reaffirming its pioneering role in aligning business activities with environmental and social responsibility. Notably, at the Vietnam ESG Awards 2025, Agribank was recognized as a leading bank in developing value chains closely associated with social welfare, further reinforcing its credibility, position and strong commitment to advancing sustainable value.

The 2025 ESG strategy represents not only an important milestone but also a continuation of Agribank’s long-term journey toward a modern, green and sustainable banking model. By embedding ESG across all aspects of its operations, Agribank is steadily advancing sustainable value for customers, partners and the wider community, contributing to economic growth aligned with environmental protection, social progress and equity, while reaffirming its role as a key state-owned commercial bank accompanying Vietnam’s sustainable development in the new era.

Kylie Nguyen