USAID Supports Vietnam in Promoting Environment-Friendly Biz Ecosystem

On November 23 morning, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage (SPVB), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a Green Index to help businesses select locations that facilitate green operations and investment, local media reported. The Green Index covers evaluation and rankings of the environment nationwide through businesses’ viewpoints and attitudes towards the environment, and their readiness for the application of environment-friendly technology or practices. The trilateral pact will help develop the Green Index into an innovative tool to provide information to local governments, thus assisting them with policy-making and the development of an environment-friendly business ecosystem. The VCCI will carry out the Green Index along with the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) survey, with the support of the USAID. USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Ann Marie Yastishock said the deal contributes to raising awareness about the environment and further promoting sustainable development for the sake of the Vietnamese people and economy. (Kinh Te Do Thi, Lao Dong, Dau Tu, Dien Dan Doanh Nghiep)