Hanoi, Vietnam – December 10, 2025 – The Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) successfully hosted the Vietnam Impact Investment Forum 2025 today. Held under the theme “Catalyzing Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Impact Investment for Vietnam’s Future,” the forum brought together over 150 investors, social impact businesses, innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance Vietnam’s momentum as Southeast Asia’s leading impact investment hub.
H.E. Mr. Jim Nickel, Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the sector in his remarks, “Canada is proud to support Vietnam’s ambition to become a regional leader in impact investment. Through our development cooperation programme, we are sharing experience in blended finance and ecosystem building while catalyzing private capital to drive sustainable and inclusive growth. The Impact Investment Readiness Vietnam (IIRV) project, delivered in partnership with IIX, equips women-focused enterprises and climate impact businesses with the skills, capacity, and networks needed to attract private capital at scale. This work advances Vietnam’s national priorities, inclusive economic growth, and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Vietnam’s impact investment growth stems from its Net-Zero 2050 commitment, 2025 National Green Taxonomy, Circular Economy Action Plan, and a growing number of social impact businesses delivering solutions in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, education, healthcare, renewable energy, women’s economic empowerment, and financial inclusion. These businesses offer investors financial returns alongside measurable social and environmental benefits.
“Vietnam stands at a pivotal moment. Through the IIRV project, we have strengthened nearly 250 social impact businesses and spearheaded CAD $17.5 million in investments. These businesses are delivering real impact. They empower women, build climate resilience, and create livelihoods. Vietnam has tremendous potential to lead the region in impact investment. With the right ecosystem support, we can unlock billions in capital for sustainable development,” said Prof. Durreen Shahnaz, Founder and CEO of IIX.
The 2025 Orange Index (measuring effectiveness of women empowerment and climate action) ranks Vietnam 51st globally—the highest among ASEAN countries and above the global average of 44—demonstrating the country’s strong investment readiness. Vietnam performs strongly across three key areas: Gender (51), Climate (44), and Community Impact (58). Notably, 65% of assessed social businesses are women-led, and more women-owned enterprises are now delivering climate solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Sy Hung, Chairman of VCCI, jointly emphasized: “Vietnam’s sustained leadership in ASEAN on the Orange Index is a profound source of national pride. To maintain this momentum, Social Impact Businesses (SIBs) must further strengthen their core competencies and adopt a stronger market-oriented approach. Investors should focus on high-impact sectors and deepen partnerships with development finance institutions. At the same time, regulators are urged to swiftly strengthen the legal framework and business environment. VCCI is committed to deepening partnerships with domestic and international organizations and impact investors, thereby accelerating impact investing and contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable and inclusive development.”
The Vietnam Impact Investment Forum featured panel discussions on building supportive policies, helping social businesses access finance and scale operations, and maximizing social and environmental outcomes. Pitch presentations from Vietnamese social businesses showcased business models that deliver strong community and environmental benefits. One that stood out highlighted how they combine rooftop solar and eco-gardens to reduce urban heat and emissions while creating green jobs for women and middle-aged workers, often excluded from industrialization. With investment-ready businesses and a robust ecosystem, the forum successfully positioned Vietnam as a regional leader for impact investment.