Agribank creates a green and sustainable financial ecosystem

Practical action for the environment

In the context of climate change, environmental pollution and resource scarcity becoming global threats, financial institutions cannot stand aside. If in the past, banks were considered “financiers”, now many banks in the world have become partners in creating a green, fair and efficient economy. In Vietnam, Agribank is one of the pioneering banks to realize this.

As the largest state-owned commercial bank in terms of network, serving almost the entire rural area, Agribank identifies the “E” factor in ESG (Environment, Society and Corporate Governance) as a top priority. Not stopping at the slogan, the bank has implemented many practical solutions: renovating agency headquarters and offices in the direction of saving energy, increasing natural light, classifying waste at source and adding green areas in the working environment...

The Green Transaction Point model is deployed by Agribank throughout the system.

In particular, green transaction points deployed throughout the system are not only environmentally friendly spaces but also places to practice the culture of “living green, working green” for Agribank staff. Encouraging paperless transactions, electronic invoices, etc. helps banks reduce resource consumption and contribute to comprehensive digital transformation.

In addition, Agribank also regularly launches tree planting programs at branches, transaction points and localities where the bank operates. Programs such as: For a green future, More trees, more life, or responding to World Environment Day, have mobilized the participation of a large number of staff, workers and communities. From planting scattered trees to greening barren hills, Agribank is contributing to adding green space to the country and spreading the message of living in harmony with nature.

Green Credit - For sustainable livelihoods and clean agriculture

Not only innovating from within, Agribank also clearly demonstrates its environmental responsibility through its green credit policy, an important pillar in building a sustainable financial ecosystem. With its special focus on serving agriculture and rural areas, the bank has prioritized funding for a series of environmentally friendly production models: from organic farms, afforestation, water-saving greenhouses to circular livestock farming systems with waste treatment.

Agribank allocates many capital sources for green credit.

Each year, Agribank disburses tens of thousands of billions of VND in loans for green development. These loans not only help customers improve their production capacity but also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resource efficiency and improving the quality of agricultural products.

More importantly, Agribank is aiming to implement solutions that integrate environmental criteria into the credit appraisal process. Customers and projects that are at risk of negative impacts on the environment will be assessed more closely, while green, clean, and circular initiatives will be given priority support. This is a strategic step that helps the bank both minimize risks and encourage economic development associated with preserving the living environment.

The foundation for creating a model bank in the era of sustainable development

A highlight in Agribank’s ESG journey is the change in mindset from the leadership level to each unit and each staff member. Pillar “G” - Governance (corporate governance) is being strongly implemented towards transparency and sustainability through training, internal communication and setting ESG standards applied in all activities.

The bank has developed its own set of ESG criteria, gradually integrating them into the process of selecting partners, customers, products and services, and investment strategies. This helps Agribank not only meet international governance standards but also be more proactive in preventing environmental and social risks that may impact financial activities.

Agribank’s ESG vision does not stop at the present. By 2030, the bank aims to complete a sustainable development model with a clear system of measurement indicators: energy consumption reduction rate, green credit growth, digital transaction rate, community satisfaction with environmental initiatives, etc.

It can be seen that in the transformation of the financial sector towards sustainable development, Agribank is taking the right and steady steps. By sowing “green seeds” in every transaction, every credit decision, every environmental behavior, the bank has been creating a financial ecosystem that is not only effective but also humane and sustainable.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/agribank-kien-tao-he-sinh-thai-tai-chinh-xanh-ben-vung-post887980.html