7 Proactive Steps for Green Export – From ESG Thinking to Creative Action

In the global context, green, sustainable standards, and ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) have increasingly become not just "external requirements" but a core foundation for businesses to affirm their position and create long-term export opportunities. Many Vietnamese businesses are still accustomed to a passive approach – only changing when requested by partners. However, real-world examples from successful businesses show that proactively starting from within – from the business model and internal governance – creates a creative path, aligns with resources, and provides sustainable competitive advantages.

KisStartup has compiled and analyzed 7 proactive steps to help businesses enter green export effectively:

Step 1: Analyze the Current Business Model and Internal ESG
The starting point is not from the outside, but from within the business itself. Dissect your current business model according to the 9 components (Canvas) and ask: What is the level of E (Environmental), S (Social), and G (Governance)? What needs improvement?
For example: Does the production process cause waste of materials? Is the team fairly compensated? Is the governance system transparent and tracking ESG effectiveness?
From there, develop a specific strategy to integrate ESG into your business model rather than just treating it as a slogan.

Step 2: Tell the Green Story of Your Products and Services
Today's global customers are not just buying products, they are buying the story and values behind them. Be proactive in sharing your sustainability journey:

• How are farmers supported?

• How does your production process save water and energy?

• How has your company reduced emissions, recycled, or contributed to society?
  Use your website, social media, catalogs, and fairs to build trust and differentiate yourself before the market raises questions.

Step 3: Embrace the First Trial Orders
Once you’ve shared your story, the market will provide feedback. Small trial orders from abroad are opportunities for testing. At this stage, businesses should:

• Understand the needs and consumption habits of international customers.

• Compare with current capacity and resources.

• Identify gaps to be filled for further progress.
  Be proactive in learning from the market through each trial order to adjust quickly and minimize risk.

Step 4: Accurately Understand Market Criteria and Requirements
Each market and customer has different standards. Instead of vaguely aiming to be “green,” clarify specific criteria:

• What is the maximum allowable chemical content?

• How is traceability handled?

• Which certifications are mandatory?
  Proactively reach out to trade organizations, participate in programs like GEVA or SwissTrade, or communicate directly with partners to “translate” requirements into actionable internal processes.

Step 5: Negotiate and Make Investment Decisions
At this stage, businesses need to face reality: with outputs in place, it’s time to invest. Negotiate with customers on purchase commitments, then decide:

• Invest in new technology to meet standards.

• Enhance human resources to manage ESG.

• Adjust processes for greater transparency.
  This is the “risk-balancing” step between market requirements and internal capabilities.

Step 6: Complete Certifications for a Specific Market
Instead of spreading across multiple certifications at once, focus on a priority market and achieve sustainable certifications (Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, etc.).
Certifications are not only a “pass” but also a commitment that demonstrates your ESG journey.

Step 7: Expand the Market – Continuously Adjust the Business Model
Once successful in one market, use that experience and evidence to expand into other markets.
At the same time, continuously ask: Does the current business model still align with the new ESG context? What needs to change? The mindset of “proactively checking and adjusting” will help businesses remain flexible and not passively follow trends.
Green export is not just about “meeting partner requirements,” but a long-term strategy to create value and sustainable differentiation for Vietnamese businesses. By starting with their own business model, creatively integrating ESG, telling their story, and expanding step by step, businesses can proactively seize opportunities and design their own path to the global market that fits their resources and advantages.

To accompany businesses on this journey, KisStartup and the GEVA project have developed a set of 3 measurement tools to help businesses self-assess, self-adjust, and proactively shape their green export path:

• Export Readiness Measurement Tool – Helps businesses know where they are in their export journey and what they need to prepare.

• Green Export Compliance Measurement Tool – Compares processes and products with green standards (VSS, Organic, Fairtrade, etc.).

• Green Business Model Measurement Tool – Analyzes the current business model and finds creative paths that align with E, S, and G elements.

Businesses can start today by using these tools to map their own path instead of waiting for partner requirements.