PLF joined Green Industries Summit 2025: Navigating the path to sustainable industrial growth in Vietnam

On June 19, 2025, representatives from PLF Law Firm joined industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators at the Green Industries Summit 2025 hosted by NordCham Vietnam at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza. The event brought together a wide array of stakeholders committed to accelerating Vietnam’s green transition, with a particular focus on manufacturing and construction, two sectors that jointly contribute approximately 30% to the country’s GDP. 

PLF’s participation in the Summit reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting clients through Vietnam’s sustainability transformation, particularly as environmental regulations, global ESG expectations, and market dynamics evolve rapidly. The insights gained from the Summit provided both legal and practical perspectives valuable for advising clients engaged in industrial operations, supply chains, infrastructure development, and ESG compliance. 

Key Takeaways and Insights from the Summit 

1. Balancing Environmental and Social Responsibility

A central theme throughout the Summit was the importance of a “just transition”, ensuring that the shift toward a green economy also protects the rights and welfare of workers and vulnerable communities. Mr. Chris Howe from WWF and Ms. Poet Nguyen from the International Organization for Migration emphasized that climate actions must consider the social dimensions of sustainability. 

In the Mekong Delta, for example, the degradation of natural sedimentation processes caused by riverbed sand extraction and groundwater overuse is creating existential risks for agricultural communities. To address these issues, stakeholders were encouraged to restore natural processes and adapt local livelihoods through sustainable, climate-resilient practices. 

Moreover, research shared during the session revealed that in some industrial zones, over 80% of the workforce consists of internal migrants, many from ethnic minority backgrounds. These workers often face precarious short-term contracts and poor living conditions. As such, any green transition in Vietnam must be inclusive, ensuring workers’ rights and social protections are strengthened, not sidelined. 

2. Digitalization as a Driver of Green Growth

A standout presentation by the CEO of Ericsson Vietnam highlighted the role of digital infrastructure, especially 5G and IoT in reducing emissions and optimizing industrial efficiency. For instance, 5G-enabled smart factories and cloud solutions can cut operational energy use, streamline logistics, and support real-time resource management. In one Ericsson case study, a smart manufacturing facility in Texas achieved: 

• 30% waste reduction 

• 24% higher energy efficiency 

• 75% improved water efficiency 

• Remote diagnostics that resolve issues in minutes rather than days 

For Vietnam, where the digital economy is projected to contribute 30% to GDP by 2045, integrating digital transformation into green strategies offers a dual pathway to environmental and economic resilience. 

3. Building Green-Ready Infrastructure

From the construction perspective, net-zero buildings are gaining traction. KONE, a global elevator and escalator provider, showcased technologies such as regenerative braking (recovering up to 60% of elevator energy) and ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber ropes that reduce energy consumption by 15%. Smart sensors and AI-driven maintenance platforms further improve building performance, while reducing environmental footprints. 

Importantly, PLF notes that clients in construction and industrial real estate are increasingly required to meet both domestic green building codes and international certifications such as EDGE, LEED, and Lotus. Green certifications are not only becoming common investor requirements but are also pivotal in winning leases from multinational tenants, many of whom are now mandated to report ESG compliance across their supply chains. 

4. Resilient and Transparent Supply Chains

Another crucial discussion focused on the role of resilient, transparent supply chains in Vietnam’s green industrial future. Speakers emphasized that resilience is no longer just about bouncing back from disruption, but about building forward-thinking systems grounded in strong environmental and labor standards. 

Global brands shared case studies where sourcing strategies prioritized suppliers with strong environmental and labor practices, even if that required upfront investments. One example involved helping a supplier improve dormitory and canteen conditions, exceeding legal requirements, in order to retain labor and foster long-term sustainability. Cross-supplier learning and peer mentorship models were also introduced to raise standards across industries without creating harmful competition. 

Conclusion 

The Green Industries Summit 2025 affirmed that sustainability is no longer optional, it is a foundational requirement for Vietnam’s continued industrial development and global integration. For law firms like PLF, this presents both a responsibility and an opportunity to guide clients through the complex legal, social, and operational implications of green transformation. 

Our presence at the Summit deepens our capacity to support clients in: 

• Navigating environmental compliance and ESG regulations 

• Advising on sustainable procurement, labor practices, and reporting standards 

• Structuring green investments, infrastructure projects, and digital transformations 

Should you need legal advice on ESG, labor, or environmental compliance in Vietnam, we welcome you to contact PLF.