Topic: Transparency and Disclosure

In this session, The speakers will delve into the importance of transparency and disclosure practices, their impact on the business environment in Vietnam, and the challenges and opportunities they present.

Transparency and disclosure are fundamental pillars of good corporate governance. They involve the timely and accurate communication of relevant information to stakeholders, including investors, employees, customers, and the wider public. By providing clear and comprehensive information, organizations can build trust, attract investment, and foster a favorable business environment.

In Vietnam, as the economy continues to grow and attract foreign investment, the need for transparency and disclosure becomes even more critical. Transparent practices not only enhance investor confidence but also contribute to the overall stability and sustainability of the corporate sector. By providing stakeholders with access to reliable information, organizations can make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and drive long-term value creation.

However, achieving transparency and disclosure in Vietnam’s corporate sector is not without its challenges. Cultural norms, legal frameworks, and historical practices may pose obstacles to the adoption of robust transparency and disclosure practices. Additionally, there may be a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of transparency, as well as concerns about competitive disadvantage or reputational risks.

During this panel discussion, we have gathered experts and industry leaders who will share their insights, experiences, and strategies for promoting transparency and disclosure in Vietnam’s corporate sector. We will explore topics such as regulatory frameworks, reporting standards, corporate governance practices, and the role of technology in enhancing transparency.

Agenda

13.00 – 13.20: Presentation: “How Vietnamese companies are tackling the lack of transparency on ESG data” by Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Nam – Deputy Director, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry

13.20 – 13.40: Presentation: “Disclosure of ESG commitments in the banking sector – Initial progress towards sustainability” by Ms. Bui Thu Loan, Coordinator of the Assessment of ESG policies and commitment of Vietnamese Commercial Banks, Fair Finance Vietnam

13.40 – 14.10: Presentation: “ESG & Data Protection Strategy at PNJ” By Mr. Phan Van Anh – Head of IT, Phu Nhuan Jewelry JSC & Mr. Le Pham Hieu Nguyen – Head of Data, Phu Nhuan Jewelry JSC

14.10 – 14.30: Presentation: “Impact of the Vietnamese bank system on SME’s” By Mr. Marc Vanborren – Co-founder & Manager, Belvie Chocolate

14.10 – 14.45: Coffee Break

14.45 – 15.30: Discussion Panel

  • Location: Red Room, 2nd Floor, Pullman Saigon Hotel
  • Time: 13:00 – 15:30
  • Date: December 1st, 2023

Moderator

Jean-Jacques Bouflet, Vice-Chairman, EuroCham

After studying law in France and Germany, Mr Bouflet served the European Commission for 37 years. Among others he participated to the negotiations of the WTO Agreement and also to the taskforce for the accession to the EU of Sweden, Finland and Austria. As member of the legal service of the Commission, he acted for many years as litigator of the EU in the WTO Dispute Settlement Panels. He was also Deputy Representative of the European Commission in France. Finally, he was posted as Head of Trade Affairs in the EU Delegation to Thailand and subsequently in the Delegation to Vietnam where he participated to the lead negotiators meetings of the EVFTA.

Nguyen Huu Nam

Nguyen Huu Nam, Deputy General Director at VCCI Ho Chi Minh City Branch, is a seasoned professional with a significant impact on Vietnam’s legal and economic landscape. His expertise includes serving as an EVFTA rules of origin expert for the EU-funded “Technical Assistance for the ARISE+ Programme in Viet Nam” from June 2022 to April 2023.From 2011 to June 2020, Nam directed the Legal Department at VCCI-HCM, playing a pivotal role in business legal frameworks. Simultaneously, he contributed expertise to the Vietnam Trade Facilitation Alliance (VTFA) supported by USAID from July 2015 to May 2018.

Nam’s career began in 1998 at the Legal Department of VCCI-HCM, progressing to Deputy Director from 2003 to 2011. His extensive experience includes research, presentations, and training on Free Trade Agreements’ rules of origin, impacting business environments in Vietnam.

Beyond organizational roles, Nam actively engages in knowledge dissemination as a guest speaker, covering topics like trade facilitation, sustainable development, circular economy, climate change, renewable energy, and low carbon emission. Nam is a distinguished figure contributing significantly to Vietnam’s business and economic growth.

Bui Thu Loan, Coordinator of the Assessment of ESG policies and commitment of Vietnamese Commercial Banks, Fair Finance Vietnam

Education: Doctor degree
Position: Project Coordinator: Assessing ESG policy commitments of Vietnamese Commercial Banks, Vietnam Fair Finance Initiative
Speaker bio: Research – Teaching – Policy consultation on Finance and Banking

Marc Vanborren, Co-founder and Manager of Belvie chocolate

Marc Vanborren, co-founder and manager of Belvie Chocolate, craft chocolate maker. Direct, ethical, and fair trade as well as environmental concern and sustainability are the base of the high-quality Chocolate of Belvie.

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