On September 11, at the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel (Hanoi), at the Vietnam Marketing and Consumer Forum 2025, experts, policymakers, and business leaders agreed that green consumption is becoming the driving force of economic growth. The event, organized by the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy (BCSI), created a platform for dialogue on shaping new consumer trends and promoting sustainable market development.

BCSI President Dr. Vo Tri Thanh noted that consumption remains a key growth driver despite modest domestic purchasing power. In August 2025, retail sales and service revenue still grew over 7.5% while consumer prices rose only 7.2%, buoyed by more than 14 million international visitors. He said this reflected resilient consumer confidence and a clear shift in behavior toward safety, quality of life, and sustainability, particularly among the expanding middle class.

Speakers highlighted opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to leverage digital platforms. According to MoIT data, e-commerce revenue grew 41.5% in the first half of 2025, far exceeding forecasts. Novaon Social Commerce Director Ta Hoai Nam emphasized that social commerce shopping directly on social media platforms has become a powerful new channel, offering seamless consumer experiences and helping firms cut costs, personalize products, and boost sales.

CGS Vietnam CEO Nguyen Viet Thinh underlined that consumption is linked not only to buying behavior but also to supply chains and finance. With climate change and rising consumer demand for clean, eco-friendly products, he called for sustainable supply chains involving suppliers, investors, local communities, and government. Circular economy practices, recycled materials, energy savings, and product traceability were cited as essential.

However, initial investment costs for sustainable production are often 15-20% higher than conventional products, while regulatory and investor requirements are tightening. Experts concluded that only with state policy support, proactive innovation from businesses, and responsible consumer choices can Vietnam build a sustainable consumption market-creating long-term momentum for economic growth.

At the forum, participants delivered a strong message: “Green, transparent, and sustainable consumption is the inevitable path for Vietnamese businesses to enhance competitiveness and secure their place in global integration.”