The programme, now in its fourth year, promotes business breakthroughs that meet the sustainable development goals of the country, according to VCCI.

It also aims to strengthen exchange and cooperation in sustainable development among businesses, and raise awareness about the importance and benefits of this kind of development.

Nguyen Quang Vinh, VCCI general secretary and VBCSD vice chairman, said the 2019 version of the corporate sustainable index (CSI) includes additional content, making it a useful handbook for all corporate managers and investors.

The index offers new companies basic suggestions on how to develop a sustainable development strategy, as well as evaluation criteria for companies that are already implementing sustainable development, he said.

The CSI also provides a reliable and complete report on the potential of businesses for investors.

This year, the number of criteria in the index has been reduced from 131 to 98, of which 90 per cent are legal compliance criteria.

The reduction has made the index more scientific, with more updated international rules and domestic regulations, suited for many purposes, Vinh said.

Participation in this prestigious national programme will help local businesses improve their competitiveness. Investors and reputable international partners are especially interested in these kinds of companies, because they prefer suppliers that have adopted a sustainable development strategy.

The programme is receiving applications until August 31. A ceremony to announce the sustainable enterprises in 2019 will be held in Ha Noi in November. — VNS