In recent years, Vietnam has moved rapidly toward a more sustainable future with bold climate commitments, new regulatory frameworks, and a growing appetite for sustainable-linked finance. But as the country charts its green transition, one question looms large: How can stakeholders trust that infrastructure projects truly deliver on their environmental and social promises?

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To further understand this, we sat down with Dang Bui Khue, Sustainability Director at TüV NORD, a global inspection and certification body working across 10 Southeast Asian countries. Their insights shed light on the evolving role of third-party verification, the power of frameworks like the FAST-Infra Label, and why credibility is the cornerstone of climate finance.

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What is Vietnam’s policy landscape for sustainability, and how is it driving the development of greener infrastructure?

Vietnam’s sustainability momentum is being shaped by strong top-down signals. The country has pledged to reduce GHG emissions by 43.5% by 2030 under its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Six sectors are now required to report emissions and develop mitigation plans.

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Key regulatory pillars include:

• The Law on Environmental Protection (2020), mandating corporate sustainability disclosures.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring companies to manage post-consumer waste.
• New incentives for green public investment under the guidance of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI).
  

“We’re seeing a serious push from the government—not just in regulation but in incentives. There’s recognition that the public and private sectors must move together.”

The push is not only domestic. Vietnam is also a beneficiary of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), an international financing initiative that requires transparency, accountability, and alignment with global sustainability standards.

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What is the role of independent third-party verification in sustainability evaluations, and why is it particularly important for Vietnam?

Vietnam is making headway in building a sustainable ecosystem, but challenges remain. While many companies are starting to report sustainability data, few are integrating it into strategic business decisions. This disconnect risks greenwashing where sustainability claims are made without substance.

“Verification adds a critical layer of trust. It ensures that sustainability isn’t just a report, it’s a commitment backed by measurable outcomes.”

Many local companies, however, still view verification as an optional cost rather than a strategic investment. Yet, in the eyes of international investors and buyers, especially giants like Nestlé and Unilever, independent assurance is non-negotiable. In fact, a recent client had to revamp its sustainability practices to qualify for sustainable-linked finance from the Netherlands, resulting in improved infrastructure and measurable environmental indicators.

Verification bridges the gap between regulatory compliance and market credibility. It is a space that’s only growing in importance as Vietnam integrates deeper into global supply chains.

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What value do infrastructure labels like the FAST-Infra Label bring to the table, and how do you view your role as a verifying organization?

In a world of increasing sustainability scrutiny, labels are emerging as shorthand for trust and transparency. The FAST-Infra Label is a prime example. It evaluates infrastructure projects against 14 sustainability criteria covering governance, resilience, environmental performance, and community impact. As a verifier for the Label, our role goes far beyond a box-ticking exercise, we play a critical role in evaluating whether a project truly meets sustainability standards.

“The label isn’t about compliance—it’s about long-term value. For climate-vulnerable regions like Vietnam, this kind of assurance is essential for securing global finance.”

Take industrial parks for example. Once sceptical of verification, many are now engaging directly with TüV NORD. One such industrial park in Bac Ninh recently began sourcing green electricity to improve its sustainability profile. Several others are exploring the FAST-Infra Label as a way to signal investment readiness.

The Label offers something that reporting alone cannot: an independent and structured demonstration of impact, aligned with frameworks like the IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Which sectors are driving Vietnam’s green transition—and what’s next?

Vietnam’s transition is not theoretical; it’s already happening on the ground. Some of the most active sectors include:

• Renewable energy, especially wind power and solar.
• Electric mobility, with national players like VinFast expanding production and infrastructure.
• Water infrastructure and smart city solutions, which are increasingly linked to ESG finance.
• Emerging sectors like green hydrogen and the circular economy.

We’re working with partners like GIZ on platforms for green transport credits and EV charging infrastructure. This is just the beginning. These changes are not just industry-led. They’re being reinforced by international buyers, financial institutions, and even development partners, all of whom require verified metrics before investing or partnering.

“If you want to access climate finance, you need to show that your project is sustainable—not just say it is. That’s where third-party assurance can unlock real value.”

Vietnam’s climate journey is gaining speed—but it’s trust that will determine how far and how fast it goes. Robust frameworks like the FAST-Infra Label, which incorporate credible independent third-party verification, provide a clear, trustworthy, and actionable path forward. For policymakers, such frameworks foster regulatory alignment and build confidence in decision-making. For companies, they open doors to green finance and sustainable growth. For investors, they provide assurance in the credibility and impact of the projects they back.

As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, Vietnam has a unique opportunity to lead—not just in ambition, but in action.