The State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC), in collaboration with the UK Embassy, held a workshop in Hanoi on October 13 to unveil a green bond disclosure handbook designed to boost transparency and advance the green finance market.

The effort builds on the SSC's 2021 issuance of handbooks for green, social and sustainability bonds, extending collaboration with the UK Embassy and specialists from the UK PACT programme to craft this latest guide. The book contains in-depth instructions on pre- and post-issuance disclosures for green bonds aligned with global benchmarks and Vietnamese regulations.

Anna Gibson, Climate Counsellor at the UK Embassy in Hanoi, called the rollout a key step in joint efforts for a greener, sustainable financial system. She noted that green bonds serve as a powerful tool to channel private funds into eco-friendly projects, aiding Vietnam's pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

She added that bolstering transparency and uniform disclosure practices will foster investor trust, curb greenwashing risks and fortify the green finance landscape.

The UK Embassy vows to support Vietnam's green finance journey, expand cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, the SSC and other stakeholders to harness large-scale green funding and help Vietnam become a regional leader in sustainable development, she said.

The handbook features the regulatory backdrop, reporting norms and significance, pre-issuance disclosures framed by four pillars - use of proceeds, project evaluation, fund oversight and reporting, plus post-issuance mandates. It incorporates case studies and international benchmarking appendices.

The SSC will roll out the handbook in Ho Chi Minh City on October 15 after the Hanoi event.

The UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) is a 260 million GBP technical assistance initiative funded by the UK Government. Launched in Vietnam in 2024, it supports a just transition toward green growth and net-zero emissions./.VNA

Green bond disclosure handbook unveiled in Hanoi