Ho Chi Minh City, August 20, 2026 – As global regulations, supply chains, technologies, data systems and capital flows continue to evolve, the question for businesses is no longer whether to pursue a green transition, but how to turn it into a source of long-term competitive advantage.

This was the central focus of the Green Innovation Summit 2026, held as part of InnoEx 2026, under the theme “Green Shift: What powers the next advantage?”

Bringing together policymakers, business leaders, investors, international organizations, experts and the innovation community, the Summit explored how businesses can move beyond viewing sustainability as a compliance burden and instead leverage it to unlock new opportunities for growth, operational efficiency, market access and innovation.

Following four years of engagement with Vietnam’s business community through themes on the green economy, sustainability and the Net Zero transition, Green Innovation Summit 2026 shifted the conversation toward a more strategic question: What capabilities and actions will enable businesses to transform the green transition into a lasting competitive advantage?

Green as a New Dimension of Competitiveness

At the Summit, sustainability was positioned not simply as an environmental responsibility, but as an increasingly important dimension of business competitiveness.

Changes in international policies and standards, growing expectations from global markets and supply chains, and the rapid development of technology, data and green finance are collectively reshaping the business landscape. Against this backdrop, the Summit created a platform for policymakers, companies, investors and innovators to connect strategic perspectives with practical action.

Opening the programme, Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Thuy, CEO of the Private Sector Development Committee, presented a strategic framework for businesses navigating the changing landscape. Highlighting the gap between emerging green requirements and corporate preparedness, she encouraged businesses – particularly SMEs and startups – to begin with practical steps: understanding their data, identifying the right market opportunities, building legal and operational foundations, and leveraging ecosystem partnerships.

The business perspective was further reinforced by Mr. Craig Stuart MacLean, President of AB InBev Southeast Asia, who shared how sustainability has been integrated throughout the company’s value chain under its “From Seed to Sip” approach.

According to Mr. MacLean, “Sustainability is not a side project; it is how we do business. Since 2017 to 2025, operational improvements have helped AB InBev Vietnam improve water use efficiency by 59% at its VSIP II and My Phuoc breweries.”

He also highlighted the importance of building sustainability from the beginning of the value chain, noting that a great beer starts long before brewing. AB InBev currently works with more than 20,500 farmers globally, reflecting the company’s belief that when farmers succeed, the entire ecosystem benefits.

What Green Shifts Are Reshaping Industries?

A key highlight of the Summit was the Leadership Panel: “Which Green Shifts Will Redefine Industries?”, bringing together perspectives from impact finance, manufacturing and packaging, with Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha (Rabo Foundation); Ms. Kieu Mai Anh (Viet Son Mechanical); and Mr. Thane Taithongchai (Starprint Vietnam), moderated by Ms. Huynh Thi Xuan Lien (CAO Fine Jewelry.)

The discussion explored how evolving international regulations, including the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), are accelerating corporate action, while highlighting that regulation alone will not determine the success of the green transition. Speakers pointed to three major barriers to scaling green solutions: limited access to capital, unclear regulatory guidance and technology constraints.

From the packaging industry, speakers noted that the real inflection point for post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics may come when recycled materials become commercially competitive with virgin plastics. For SMEs, practical priorities include renewable energy, stronger social responsibility and leveraging existing sustainability standards across industrial zones and supply chains. In agriculture, the transition needs to start at the farm level through technology and sustainable practices.

Across sectors, the message was clear: businesses need to move beyond compliance and treat green transition as a driver of innovation, resilience and competitive advantage.

Turning Green Ideas into Practical Impact

Beyond strategic dialogue, the Green Innovation Fellowship 2026 Final demonstrated how innovation can help translate sustainability ambitions into practical business solutions.

The six-month programme supports spin-offs, SMEs and startups from Vietnam and abroad that are developing technologies and solutions with the potential to generate measurable green impact. Participants gain opportunities to connect with sustainability-oriented corporations, impact investors and partners across the InnoEx innovation ecosystem.

From 15 semi-finalists, six outstanding businesses advanced to the final round, where they presented their solutions to an expert judging panel. Teams were assessed not only on technological innovation but also on their business models, market potential, scalability, implementation capabilities and environmental and social impact.

At the conclusion of the programme, Vietnam Food (VNF) and Parongpong RAW Lab were named the two champions of the Green Innovation Fellowship 2026, receiving a total prize value of USD 4,500. Their solutions represent promising approaches in sustainable agriculture and the circular economy.

From Dialogue to Action

Green Innovation Summit 2026 highlighted how innovation can help businesses turn emerging sustainability requirements into opportunities to improve operations, develop new products, access markets and attract investment.

By bringing together policy perspectives, corporate experience and innovation-driven solutions, the Summit sought to move the green transition conversation from compliance to action – and from obligation to opportunity.

As part of InnoEx 2026, the Summit provided a platform for businesses, investors, experts and ecosystem partners to identify practical pathways towards more sustainable, innovative and competitive growth.