HCM CITY — A new wave of green startups is transforming the business landscape in Việt Nam as young entrepreneurs embrace sustainable models that merge local resources with environmental values and market-driven strategies.
The Vietnamese Government has implemented various initiatives to encourage startup models that incorporate environmental, local, and community-oriented values. As a result, green startups have emerged as a practical and ethical trend, enabling young founders to expand their businesses and reach both domestic and international markets.
One notable example is Phạm Đình Ngãi from Trà Vinh Province, who has gained recognition with his Sokfarm brand. Ngãi’s company produces coconut blossom nectar from the sweet sap of coconut flowers, a previously underutilized product. After nearly a decade of research and development, Sokfarm has achieved international certifications such as HACCP and ISO, and its products are now exported to markets in Europe and Asia.
“My motivation stems from preserving traditional livelihoods in my hometown while integrating internationally,” Ngãi explained. His success story illustrates the potential for green startups to drive economic growth while maintaining cultural heritage.
Another young entrepreneur, Đỗ Đăng Khoa from Đồng Tháp Province, has made significant progress with environment-friendly products made from loofah fibre. His business has expanded into international retail chains such as AEON in Japan and LOTTE Mart in South Korea, demonstrating the global appeal of sustainable products.
Lê Huy Quang, CEO of Lê’s Farm Hi-tech Agriculture Co Ltd in Lâm Đồng Province, launched his avocado-based business four years ago. According to Quang, earlier agricultural startups often failed due to a lack of long-term vision, but recent founders are generally better prepared, leading to improved success rates.
The startup community is becoming increasingly supportive, with founders sharing market information and exploring opportunities for collaboration. This growing ecosystem is fostering innovation and helping businesses overcome common challenges.
Phạm Ngọc Anh Tùng, founder of agri-tech startup UFO Technology And Trading Co Ltd, emphasized the importance of aligning with market demand. “We learned a valuable lesson from our instant noodle product. Due to limited resources, we couldn’t conduct proper market research, leading to inaccurate market assessments,” he said.
Tùng’s experience highlights the importance of thorough market research in determining product viability. “Without a clearly defined market, new products are unlikely to succeed,” he added.
Vũ Kim Hạnh, chairwoman of the Business Association of High Quality Vietnamese Products, noted that green startups not only offer opportunities for young people to succeed financially but also promote agriculture and safeguard the environment and cultural values. “When these values are elevated to commercial products, local agricultural economies will develop significantly,” she said.
Agriculture, alongside information technology, remains one of the most attractive sectors for startups in Việt Nam. The growth of green startups in the agricultural sector is expected to drive economic development while promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
