A Key Milestone in Enhancing Responsible Business Practices in Viet Nam

July 17, 2023
UNDP in Viet Nam

Ha Noi 14 July 2023 - Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang signed on 14 July 2023 a decision on the promulgation of the National Action Plan for Enhancing Responsible Business Practices in Viet Nam, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to promoting responsible business practices. This decision sets forth the implementation of the National Action Plan for the 2023-2027 period.

The National Action Plan (NAP) is the outcome of a fruitful collaboration between UNDP in Viet Nam and the Ministry of Justice, with the support from Sweden, over the past five years. This collaborative effort involved organizing consultation workshops, meetings, and technical working group discussions, providing feedback and inputs on NAP drafts to ensure their quality and effectiveness. Additionally, various stakeholders, including businesses, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international experts have been engaged in the development of NAP.

The NAP represents a solid step forward in line with the global trend of responsible business and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The NAP aims to encourage and empower businesses to operate responsibly, considering the principles of "Profit, People, and Planet" (3Ps).

Encompassing a comprehensive set of actions and solutions across five thematic areas - Investment, Labour, Vulnerable Group Protection, Environmental Protection, and Consumer Protection – the NAP serves as a foundation to raise awareness, enhance stakeholders’ capacity, foster an enabling environment for engagement, and ensure access to remedies. It also emphasizes the importance of holding businesses accountable for their actions.

The NAP is the beginning of an ongoing journey to promote responsible business practices across the county. Its success relies on the commitment and active participation of the government, businesses, and society as a whole.

UNDP is committed to supporting Viet Nam in implementing the National Action Plan, thus building a more sustainable and responsible business environment in the country.