On the afternoon of July 2, 2026, the Mekong Institute at Can Tho University, held a working session with the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam – Hau Giang Branch (BIDV Hau Giang) to discuss strategic directions for cooperation in capacity building, applied research, business engagement, and the promotion of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in support of green finance and sustainable development across the Mekong Delta.

Representing BIDV Hau Giang were Mr Nguyen Quoc Khoi, Director; Mr Trinh Minh Binh, Deputy Director; and leaders of relevant divisions. Representing the Mekong Institute were Assoc. Prof. Dr Van Pham Dang Tri, Director; Dr Vo Van Tuan, Deputy Director; together with representatives from the Institute's academic and professional programs.

During the meeting, the Mekong Institute highlighted Can Tho University’s strengths in education, research, and science and technology transfer, particularly in areas related to sustainable development, climate resilience, green transition, and interdisciplinary solutions for the Mekong Delta. As an institute under Can Tho University, the Mekong Institute serves as a strategic hub connecting the University’s academic units, researchers, experts, and partners to translate knowledge into practical solutions for local governments, businesses, communities, and financial institutions. Both parties agreed that this collaborative platform would provide BIDV Hau Giang with access to Can Tho University’s extensive network of expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge, thereby creating a strong foundation for the development and implementation of ESG-oriented and green finance solutions.

Based on this shared vision, the two parties agreed to prioritize three key areas of cooperation. First, the Mekong Institute will lead the development of training programs on ESG, green finance, environmental and social risk management, green credit, and corporate advisory services, drawing on the expertise of Can Tho University specialists. BIDV Hau Giang will coordinate in identifying training needs, nominating staff for capacity-building activities, and connecting the programs with its corporate clients. In the initial phase, the training programs will focus on strengthening the capacity of BIDV staff, while subsequent activities will support businesses and cooperatives in developing practical ESG roadmaps and improving their readiness to access green finance opportunities.

Second, the two parties will collaborate on applied research and the development of practical tools to support businesses, including rapid ESG assessment toolkits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), sector-specific ESG implementation models, and advisory approaches that help connect enterprises with suitable green finance solutions. Third, the Mekong Institute and BIDV Hau Giang will jointly organize forums, seminars, and capacity-building programs on ESG, the circular economy, carbon credits, digital transformation, green business models, and sustainable development.

The two parties also agreed to work towards a long-term cooperation framework. Under this framework, the Mekong Institute will serve as the focal point connecting BIDV Hau Giang with Can Tho University’s academic units, research institutes, and expert network, while BIDV Hau Giang will leverage its strong connections with the business community to identify practical needs and support the implementation of pilot initiatives.

This cooperation is expected to foster an effective partnership among academia, the banking sector, businesses, and local stakeholders, contributing to the practical application of ESG principles, the expansion of green finance, and the acceleration of the green transition in the Mekong Delta.