In Vietnam’s journey toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, sustainable development has become a national strategic orientation. As the key state-owned commercial bank in agriculture, farmers, and rural development, the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) has chosen a distinctive path to fulfill its social responsibility — by “greening” its credit capital flows and embedding sustainability as a core value across all business activities.

Shifting toward green finance
 

Closely connected with the agricultural sector and rural communities, Agribank consistently upholds its commitment to green banking, green credit, and sustainable growth. Agribank regards compliance with ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) standards as both a strategic requirement and a competitive advantage in the ongoing green transition.

In response to climate change challenges, Agribank has proactively redirected its credit flows from “brown” sectors (energy-intensive and polluting industries) to “green” projects and environmentally friendly production models. As of Q2 2025, Agribank’s outstanding green credit reached nearly VND 29 trillion, maintaining steady annual growth; of which renewable energy accounted for 53% (over VND 15 trillion), sustainable forestry about VND 6.9 trillion, and green agriculture more than VND 6.5 trillion.

Agribank proactively redirects capital flows from “brown” to “green” sectors, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and green agriculture projects
 

At the same time, Agribank is implementing a preferential credit program titled “Green agriculture for community health” with a minimum funding scale of VND 50 trillion, aimed at supporting safe, circular, and high-tech agricultural production. Particularly, the Government’s assignment for Agribank to provide credit for the One million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice project in the Mekong Delta by 2030 further affirms Agribank’s key role in transforming agriculture to adapt to climate change.
 

More than just a source of preferential funding, Agribank’s green credit flows demonstrate its determination to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development, contributing to food security, enhancing the value of agricultural products, and protecting community health.

Embodiment of social responsibility
 

Beyond financial instruments, Agribank’s green credit flows also carry profound social meaning — creating sustainable livelihoods, generating employment, improving living standards, and narrowing regional gaps.

Through a network of over 2,200 branches, more than 64,000 lending groups with nearly 1.5 million members, and dozens of mobile banking units serving hundreds of communes nationwide, Agribank brings financial resources directly to people in remote and disadvantaged areas, ensuring equality in financial access. Agribank is the key implementing institution for seven policy credit programs and two national target programs (New Rural Development and Sustainable Poverty Reduction), directly contributing to the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

Mobile banking vehicles help bring Agribank’s capital to remote villages
 

In addition to credit activities, Agribank allocates hundreds of billions of dong each year to social welfare programs. On average, Agribank invests about VND 500–600 billion annually in community initiatives. Since early 2025, nearly VND 60 billion has been dedicated to disaster relief efforts, within a total of over VND 400 billion spent on nationwide social welfare programs.

Internally, Agribank also fosters a culture of sustainability through the “Agribank – for a green future” movement, widely embraced by its 40,000 employees via activities such as tree planting, runs for the environment, and energy-saving campaigns. These “green seeds” are sown through a journey from awareness to action, nurturing a corporate culture grounded in responsibility, humanistic values, and sustainability.

Sustainable governance – the foundation for action
 

Alongside developing green credit and promoting social value, Agribank places strong emphasis on governance — the core pillar of ESG. A transparent, efficient, and integrity-based governance system is fundamental to achieving green and sustainable growth in a long-term and effective manner.

Recognizing this, Agribank has developed and implemented an Environmental and Social Risk Management System (ESMS) within its credit operations, closely integrating the system into its appraisal, approval, and monitoring processes. Each loan and project is evaluated not only on financial criteria but also on its environmental and social impact, ensuring that capital is used for the right purposes while avoiding activities harmful to the ecosystem, community, or inconsistent with sustainability commitments.

Projects financed by Agribank are evaluated not only on financial criteria but also on environmental and social impact
 

In addition, Agribank is aligning its corporate governance with advanced international standards such as ESG Reporting, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and the OECD Corporate Governance Guidelines. Principles of openness, transparency, accountability, and professional ethics are deeply embedded in the bank’s culture and operations. Regular reinforcement of internal controls, independent audits, and comprehensive risk management helps Agribank maintain stability, safety, and customer trust — particularly amid digital transformation and global financial integration.

Moreover, Agribank serves as a bridge for mobilizing international capital for green development. The bank actively collaborates with global financial institutions, investment funds, and multilateral organizations such as the World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Green Climate Fund (GCF) to attract ODA and green finance. These resources are being utilized for projects addressing climate change, developing renewable energy, promoting circular agriculture, and expanding green infrastructure across key provinces and regions.

The attraction, management, and effective allocation of international capital not only demonstrate Agribank’s credibility and integration capacity but also affirm its strategic vision as a pioneering state-owned bank implementing Vietnam’s Net-Zero commitment. Agribank is progressively transforming from a traditional governance model to one driven by sustainable value, where economic performance goes hand in hand with social benefits and environmental responsibility.
 

Acting for a green future
 

From being “the farmers’ bank” to “the community’s bank,” Agribank’s nearly four-decade journey has always been intertwined with the mission of serving national development, improving livelihoods, and protecting the environment. The credit flows that Agribank persistently delivers to every rural area and household are not only financial resources but also sources of social energy — contributing to prosperous agriculture, revitalized rural areas, and progressive farmers, the three core pillars of Vietnam’s green economy.

A wind energy project funded by Agribank
 

Upholding its leading role in the agricultural sector, Agribank continues to affirm its pioneering position in implementing ESG standards and realizing the goals of Green Development – Green Finance – Green Society. The entire system is simultaneously rolling out concrete initiatives such as promoting green credit, reducing internal emissions, advancing sustainable digital transformation, and integrating ESG criteria into performance evaluation and incentive mechanisms.

These initiatives underline Agribank’s strong commitment to comprehensively “green” its operations — from products and services to governance and internal management. In doing so, the bank not only accompanies customers and communities but also works hand in hand with the Government to fulfill Vietnam’s international commitments on sustainable development and greenhouse-gas reduction, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Throughout this journey, social responsibility, professional ethics, and human values remain at the core. Through tangible actions, Agribank continues to strengthen public trust and project the image of a state-owned commercial bank that serves the people, safeguards the environment, and contributes to Vietnam’s green future.

Kylie Nguyen