SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2024DPM

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT IN 2024

In 2024 - the halfway point in implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda – the global pursuit of sustainable development goals continues to face complex and interconnected challenges across economic, political, environmental and social dimensions:

View more

According to the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR), under the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Vietnam continues to target GDP growth of 7-8% in 2024, with policies which prioritizes energy transition and green development. Key highlights from Vietnam’s economy performance in the past year includes:

View more

The global fertilizer and chemical areas are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by mounting pressure to reduce emissions, comply with new climate regulations, and respond to a wave of technological innovations focused on environmental sustainability.

View more

In response to growing global and national demands for sustainable development, PVFCCo has clearly demonstrated its commitment and proactive approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. As a key enterprise in Vietnam’s fertilizer production sector - an industry closely tied to food security and the livelihoods of millions - PVFCCo has implemented specific actions to maintain its domestic leadership and expand into regional markets:

View more

PVFCCO’S SUSTAINABILITY ORIENTATION

Sustainable development plays a key role in PVFCCo’s long-term growth strategy, especially in the context of climate change, resource depletion, and rising pressure from environmental regulations at both national and global levels. As a pioneer in fertilizer and chemical production in Vietnam, PVFCCo clearly understand its responsibility to balance the goal of maximizing business efficiency with the goal of reducing negative impacts on the environment and social. This helps support the nation’s and the industry’s sustainable development goals.

View more

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

To identify sustainable development topics and carry out ESG solutions, initiatives, and programs that match market trends and stakeholders’ needs, PVFCCo always focuses on building a strong connection with stakeholders.

Step
1
Identify key stakeholders

Stakeholders include individuals and organizations that can influence PVFCCo’s operations or are affected by its decisions and results. Depending on their level of interaction and relationship with PVFCCo, each stakeholder group plays a different role in the sustainable development journey. PVFCCo classifies stakeholders based on their level of impact. This helps build suitable and effective programs for dialogue, cooperation, and engagement with each group.

Step
2
Implement engagement activities to understand each stakeholder’s key concerns

PVFCCo has set up various channels to connect with stakeholders, such as surveys, interviews, regular dialogues, seminars, and annual meetings. Stakeholders can also send feedback or contact PVFCCo directly through the website, hotline, or other digital platforms. In addition, market officers in different regions support customers by providing product information, collecting feedback, and sharing user experiences. The data and insights gathered from these interactions are analyzed by ESG focal points in the next steps.

Step
3
Prioritize stakeholder concerns

PVFCCo analyzes the feedback to identify material topics that reflect common concerns and trends that may affect business performance, financial health, and sustainability goals. The assessment considers factors such as the impact level of each topic, its strategic importance, urgency, and PVFCCo’s ability to respond. These prioritized topics form the basis for departments to develop action plans that balance business goals with stakeholders’ expectations.

Step
4
Build an action plan

Action plans for each material topic are developed based on their priority level. Each plan includes clear objectives, a feasible timeline, and a roadmap for implementation. Departments involved in the plan contribute to resource planning, including staffing, budget, and technology, to ensure effective execution. During implementation, departments also monitor progress, report results, suggest adjustments, and update strategic documents when needed.

Step
5
Interact and communicate about action

PVFCCo places strong emphasis on communicating the progress and results of action plans. Departments proactively share updates on key issues and the implementation of approved plans with relevant stakeholders. This helps maintain transparency, consistency, and alignment between stakeholder concerns and PVFCCo’s sustainability goals.

Step
6
Monitoring and evaluation

PVFCCo regularly monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of action plans using ESG performance indicators. Feedback from Step 5 is reviewed and adjusted when needed to keep sustainability efforts on track and ensure they deliver maximum value to stakeholders.

PVFCCo achieved many remarkable results in 2024 through its stakeholder engagement and consultation activities as follows:

Workers

Customers (distributors, end users, etc.)

Shareholders / Investors

Business partners

Government authorities

Local community

Through the stakeholder engagement activities executed in 2024, PVFCCo has also identified a list of ESG topics which each stakeholder pays attention to, detailed as follows:

Workers

Customers (distributors, end users, etc.)

Shareholders / Investors

Business partners

Government authorities

Local community

MATERIAL TOPICS

According to globally recognized ESG reporting standards and guidelines, businesses are expected to identify and assess material sustainability topics, monitor and update them regularly, and allocate limited resources to activities and programs that can generate positive impacts on the economy, environment and society. This process provides a solid foundation for PVFCCo to implement its sustainable development strategy more effectively, while also meeting stakeholder expectations and addressing their concerns.

The analysis and assessment of each ESG topic’s materiality is based on PVFCCo’s stakeholder engagement process, combined with internal evaluation. These activities are conducted in accordance with GRI Standard 3 under the GRI Universal Standards 2021. Annually, PVFCCo’s responsible department reviews, adjusts, and supplements this analysis to reflect national sustainable development trends, the Corporation’s core business areas, and stakeholders’ expectations.

This entire analysis and evaluation process is summarized into four main steps as follows:

Step
1
Analyze internal and external context

In addition to synthesizing material topics of interest to key stakeholders, PVFCCo conducts a comprehensive selfassessment to identify Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG), and Economic aspects that arise from - or may potentially impact - its production and business operations, as well as its shortand long-term financial performance. This analysis is conducted systematically, drawing from a wide range of information sources and approaches, including:

  • Reviewing the internal sustainability context in alignment with strategic development goals (both business and ESG) approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Researching and compiling economic, environmental, and social development trends in Vietnam and globally, along with ESG material topics relevant to the domestic and international fertilizer and chemical industries.
  • Examining specialized reports and publications issued by reputable industry associations, consulting firms, and research institutions, both domestic and international.
  • Gathering information on national and sectoral sustainable development strategies and goals, as outlined in legal documents issued by competent authorities and intergovernmental commitments to which Vietnam is a signatory.
  • Synthesizing and analyzing feedback and survey results from stakeholder groups such as farmers, distributors, employees, business partners, shareholders, and local communities.
  • Reviewing ESG-related issues (impacts, risks, opportunities) that may affect the fertilizer and chemical industry’s value chain.
  • Consulting internal experts and external organizations with expertise in sustainable development within the fertilizer and chemical sector.
  • Researching ESG practices disclosed in sustainability reports of leading global fertilizer and chemical companies.
  • Reviewing reports that assess progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide guidance on disclosure practices aligned with international standards.
Step
2
Assess existing and potential impacts

Based on the findings from Step 1, PVFCCo analyzes and evaluates the overall impact - both positive and negative, existing and potential - on the economy, environment, and society resulting from its planned production and business activities. Depending on specific conditions, PVFCCo consults relevant stakeholders, internal technical teams, and external sustainability experts to ensure objective and well-informed conclusions that support subsequent steps.

Step
3
Evaluate and rank the materiality of each ESG topic

Building on the ESG-related impacts identified in Step 2, PVFCCo assesses the materiality of each topic by evaluating its level of control and actual influence (in terms of scale and scope) across the value chain, combined with stakeholder perspectives on importance. The overall materiality of each topic is determined not only by its financial implications but also by estimated non-financial impacts, the likelihood of associated risks or opportunities, interlinkages between topics, and alignment with globally recognized ESG standards for the chemical industry. The classification and prioritization of material topics are visually represented on a two-dimensional materiality matrix, ensuring a balanced view between PVFCCo’s internal perspective and stakeholder expectations. This matrix helps PVFCCo identify ESG priorities for short-term action and monitor the effectiveness of related programs through specific KPIs.

Step
4
Screen and decide on a list of highest priority topics to report on

Based on the materiality matrix, the responsible department screens and proposes a list of priority ESG topics to the Board of Directors for inclusion in the Sustainability Report - beyond mandatory disclosures and recommendations from reference standards. Upon approval, the department proceeds with managing, monitoring, and reporting on these topics in accordance with Vietnam’s regulations and international sustainability reporting frameworks.

Detailed information on the ESG material topics presented in the 2024 Sustainability Report is presented in the following table:

Topic Content Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)
Greenhouse gas emissions and energy transition PVFCCo plans and implements solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Corporation also actively shifts to cleaner energy sources, with a focus on renewables, for use in core operations.
Efficient use of natural resources PVFCCo enhances research and applies initiatives to improve the efficiency of using limited natural resources. It increases the use of recycled materials in fertilizer and chemical production and promotes circular economy practices through recycling and reusing waste and scrap.
Environmental pollution reduction PVFCCo commits to strictly managing environmental impacts arising from its core business operations. The Corporation also researches and integrates appropriate environmental assessment criteria into the supplier evaluation and selection process, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.
Conservation of biodiversity, water resources and soil quality PVFCCo promotes the improvement of fertilizer products to be more environmentally friendly. These efforts aim to reduce negative impacts on water resources, enhance soil quality during agricultural use, and closely monitor ecosystem impacts to help preserve biodiversity in areas potentially affected by business activities and the consumption of PVFCCo’s fertilizer and chemical products.

Greenhouse gas emissions and energy transition

Content

PVFCCo plans and implements solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Corporation also actively shifts to cleaner energy sources, with a focus on renewables, for use in core operations.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Efficient use of natural resources

Content

PVFCCo enhances research and applies initiatives to improve the efficiency of using limited natural resources. It increases the use of recycled materials in fertilizer and chemical production and promotes circular economy practices through recycling and reusing waste and scrap.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Environmental pollution reduction

Content

PVFCCo commits to strictly managing environmental impacts arising from its core business operations. The Corporation also researches and integrates appropriate environmental assessment criteria into the supplier evaluation and selection process, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Conservation of biodiversity, water resources and soil quality

Content

PVFCCo promotes the improvement of fertilizer products to be more environmentally friendly. These efforts aim to reduce negative impacts on water resources, enhance soil quality during agricultural use, and closely monitor ecosystem impacts to help preserve biodiversity in areas potentially affected by business activities and the consumption of PVFCCo’s fertilizer and chemical products.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Topic Content Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)
Occupational health and safety PVFCCo commits to complying with current legal regulations, international standards and recognized the best practices on occupational health and safety. The Corporation continues to operate systems that protect employees’ health and prevent work-related illnesses.
Maintaining and developing human resources to ensure quality PVFCCo commits to maintaining a stable workforce through talent attraction and competitive remuneration policies compared to market levels. The Corporation focuses on developing employees’ professional expertise and essential skills to help them adapt quickly to the new technology era. It also promotes a dynamic, efficient, fair, and inclusive working environment, with equal promotion opportunities for women.
Sharing responsibility with the community PVFCCo prioritizes social security efforts and consistently accompany PVN in social responsibility programs and activities. The Corporation shares and spreads positive values to the community, contributes to a prosperous nation where no one is left behind.

Occupational health and safety

Content

PVFCCo commits to complying with current legal regulations, international standards and recognized the best practices on occupational health and safety. The Corporation continues to operate systems that protect employees’ health and prevent work-related illnesses.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Maintaining and developing human resources to ensure quality

Content

PVFCCo commits to maintaining a stable workforce through talent attraction and competitive remuneration policies compared to market levels. The Corporation focuses on developing employees’ professional expertise and essential skills to help them adapt quickly to the new technology era. It also promotes a dynamic, efficient, fair, and inclusive working environment, with equal promotion opportunities for women.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Sharing responsibility with the community

Content

PVFCCo prioritizes social security efforts and consistently accompany PVN in social responsibility programs and activities. The Corporation shares and spreads positive values to the community, contributes to a prosperous nation where no one is left behind.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Topic Content Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)
Long-term sustainable growth PVFCCo evaluates and selects investment projects that ensures economic efficiency, supports stable production and business operations, and generates long-term sustainable profits. Together with PVN, the Corporation contributes to building a strong foundation for national economic growth.
Transparent governance and responsible business PVFCCo commits to complying with current legal regulations, international standards, and recognized best practices in corporate governance. The Corporation ensures responsible business conduct and provides timely, complete, and transparent information to strengthen trust among investors, shareholders, customers, and the community, while enhancing its position in the global market.
Digital Transformation PVFCCo strongly promotes digital transformation across all aspects of its production and business operations. The Corporation applies modern information technology solutions to measure and monitor productivity, business performance, and environmental and social impacts. It increases the level of automation in operational processes and data management, while ensuring system synchronization, data security, and cybersecurity.

Long-term sustainable growth

Content

PVFCCo evaluates and selects investment projects that ensures economic efficiency, supports stable production and business operations, and generates long-term sustainable profits. Together with PVN, the Corporation contributes to building a strong foundation for national economic growth.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Transparent governance and responsible business

Content

PVFCCo commits to complying with current legal regulations, international standards, and recognized best practices in corporate governance. The Corporation ensures responsible business conduct and provides timely, complete, and transparent information to strengthen trust among investors, shareholders, customers, and the community, while enhancing its position in the global market.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

Digital Transformation

Content

PVFCCo strongly promotes digital transformation across all aspects of its production and business operations. The Corporation applies modern information technology solutions to measure and monitor productivity, business performance, and environmental and social impacts. It increases the level of automation in operational processes and data management, while ensuring system synchronization, data security, and cybersecurity.

Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs)

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT AT PVFCCO

SUSTAINABILITY GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

PVFCCo designs its sustainable development management system to be streamlined and effective. The system ensures clear roles and responsibilities from planning to implementation, monitoring, and improvement. Management activities are carried out regularly, continuously, and are closely integrated across the following steps:

Step
1
Planning
  • Analyze internal and external context, including end-user needs and market trends.
  • Identify ESG-related challenges and opportunities.
  • Synthesize stakeholder engagement results and key concerns.
  • Identify and assess material ESG topics.
  • Research and analysis growth drivers.
  • Develop strategies and set key goals.
  • Analyze resource costs and risks.
  • Develop action programs and manage risks.
Step
2
Execution
  • Implement the established governance model effectively.
  • Carry out action programs to achieve sustainable development goals.
  • Conduct risk management activities.
  • Update ESG-related standards and requirements and provide internal training and communication to raise awareness, build consensus, and encourage active participation across departments.
Step
3
Monitoring
  • Measure and monitor performance indicators.
  • Conduct internal assessments.
  • Conduct external assessments.
  • Perform independent audits of financial information and data.
  • Implement improvement initiatives.
  • Conduct self-assessments.
Step
4
Improvement
  • Conduct management reviews.
  • Take action to prevent impacts or address consequences.
  • Continuously improve production and business processes.

In addition to clearly defining the functions and activities as above, PVFCCo also continuously strengthens and perfects the ESG governance structure with specific assignment of tasks to each designated personnel. In 2024, PVFCCo maintained the governance structure as shown below:

Function Unit / Object Main responsibilities related to Sustainable Development
Planning / Monitoring / Improvement Chairman of the Investment, Development and Science and Technology Committee under the Board of Directors (Independent Board Member)
  • Take overall responsibility for sustainable development issues at PVFCCo.
  • Advise the Board of Directors on strategy planning, short/ medium/long-term goals, and approval of action plans related to sustainable development.
  • Monitor the implementation of strategic sustainable development goals.
  • Evaluate progress and approve improvement proposals.
  • Provide expert advice to support the resolution of issues related to the implementation of PVFCCo’s sustainable development strategy.
Execution / Monitoring / Improvement General Director
  • Take full responsibility for implementing ESG activities at PVFCCo.
  • Develop and issue policies related to sustainable development.
  • Review action plans aligned with sustainable development goals and strategic directions for each period, and submit them to the Board of Directors for approval.
  • Direct the implementation of ESG action plans approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Oversee the development of management systems, allocate resources, and report progress on sustainable development goals on a regular basis.
Deputy General Director in charge of internal affairs, occupational health and safety, legal compliance
  • Ensure ESG programs and initiatives are integrated into internal affairs, health and safety, environmental management, and legal compliance.
  • Coordinate tasks and goals assigned by the General Director to departments, and regularly monitor and encourage progress.
  • Receive and review ESG-related reports prepared by departments and divisions, and submit them to the General Director.
Execution / Monitoring / Improvement Technical and Safety Department
  • Consolidate information from functional departments and units to prepare a summary report on sustainable development activities and submit it to the Board of Directors for approval.
  • Organize internal communication activities to ensure all units clearly understand the approved ESG goals and action plans.
  • Develop and implement training programs on general sustainable development and specific topics aligned with global and national trends.
  • Manage the collection of information and data for periodic sustainable development reports, in accordance with current international standards and practices.
Execution / Monitoring / Improvement Department/ Division/ Functional Unit
  • Maintain a minimum structure of one focal officer responsible for ESG-related content in each department, office, or functional unit.
  • Integrate sustainable development action plans and programs into regular production and business operations to achieve set goals.
  • Regularly check, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of plan implementation.
  • Prepare and present summary reports on sustainable development activities, ensuring timely and accurate reflection of information and data.
  • Analyze and propose improvement initiatives.
ESG RISK MANAGEMENT

In the context of a volatile economy and growing pressure from geopolitical, environmental, and social issues, PVFCCo clearly recognizes the importance of managing risks related to sustainable development across all production and business activities. The Board of Directors understands that ESG-related risks can directly or indirectly affect operational efficiency, competitiveness, brand reputation, and the Corporation’s ability to create long-term sustainable value.

To respond proactively to challenges and seize growth opportunities in the transition toward a greener and cleaner economy, PVFCCo continuously improves its policy framework and risk management processes. Thanks to its consistent efforts, PVFCCo has not recorded any serious environmental or social incidents throughout more than 20 years of establishment and development.

In 2024, PVFCCo continues to identify, assess, and control ESG-related risks within the framework of its enterprise-wide risk management system, in compliance with prevailing international standards. Specifically:

  • ESG risks are identified and periodically assessed in accordance with ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), as well as the Quality - Safety - Environment Risk Control Process (A-002).
  • Risk identification and assessment results are regularly monitored and updated whenever unusual factors or events occur. This helps detect and control potential risks that may affect operational continuity and efficiency, and ultimately the Corporation’s financial performance. For example, in 2024, the reallocation of functions and management areas between the NPK Unit and the Packaging and Warehousing Unit at Phu My Fertilizer Plant was carefully assessed for risks such as overlapping roles, changes in employee work habits, and impacts on operational performance. Similarly, adjustments to raw materials, chemicals, and environmental treatment methods are all subject to risk assessment before implementation.

After identifying and assessing ESG risks, specialized departments and functional units review and implement control plans and response measures in line with PVFCCo’s overall risk management policy. Building on this process, these efforts aim to minimize negative impacts and ensure stability and effectiveness in executing the sustainable development action plan. To ensure ongoing oversight, key risk indicators (KRIs) are regularly monitored, and ESG risk management is reported periodically, with discussions held in meetings with the Board of Directors.

To enhance risk management capabilities, PVFCCo has deployed advanced tools such as the Process Safety Management (PSM) software and the Production Management Information System (PMIS). These systems support the monitoring of incident numbers and production downtime caused by safety violations at Phu My Fertilizer Plant. In addition, PVFCCo regularly organizes internal training programs on risk assessment and control for all employees and encourages departments and units to proactively improve operational risk management processes and contribute to the development and refinement of risk criteria and parameters.

PVFCCo has identified and managed a portfolio of risks related to sustainable development with corresponding monitoring and control measures as follows:

No Group Risk Key monitoring and control measures
1 Strategic risk Risks from consumer behavior
  • Organize communication programs on sustainable farming for farmers.
  • Maintain a hotline and a team of market officers to provide consulting and technical support during the use of Phu My fertilizer products.
2 Strategic risk Transition risks related to production technology, legal regulations, government policies, consumer preferences for greener and cleaner products, etc.
  • Regularly monitor and analyze market trends, policies, and technologies affecting the fertilizer industry.
  • Promote R&D of new products that are greener and cleaner, aligned with global market trends and government strategic directions.
3 Strategic risk Risks related to the supply chain such as domestic raw material shortages and/or disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in some important regions of the world, rising gas prices, etc.
  • Negotiate price movement roadmaps with suppliers based on scenario estimates.
  • Monitor input material markets to forecast price fluctuations and supply disruption risks.
  • Diversify domestic and international suppliers, develop contingency plans, and explore alternative raw materials to ensure stable production.
  • Monitor delivery progress and service quality as per contractual agreements.
4 Operational risk Risks related to product quality
  • Promote product innovation initiatives to improve quality and meet international standards.
5 Operational risk Fire Risk
  • Install fire prevention and firefighting systems and equipment in compliance with legal standards.
  • Develop and conduct periodic fire drills approved by competent authorities.
  • Organize regular safety and fire prevention training for employees.
6 Operational risk Climate change related risks
  • Develop a response plan for severe weather events such as storms, tornadoes, etc.
  • Research and implement solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.
7 Operational risk Occupational safety risks and diseases
  • Conduct periodic maintenance and inspection of production lines, machinery, and equipment.
  • Maintain operations in compliance with ISO 45001 standards.
  • Provide regular training on occupational health and safety and rehearse emergency response plans.
  • Promote a culture of safe production across the Corporation.
8 Operational risk Risk of brain drain (well-qualified and experienced technical staff/ experts)
  • Conduct market research and adjust salary and bonus policies to remain competitive.
  • Reform compensation structures and benefits in line with legal regulations, Parent Group orientation, PVFCCo’s strategic goals, and employee needs.
9 Operational risk Risk of fraud and corruption
  • Develop and implement anti-corruption policies/plans.
  • Regularly review and assess the internal control system to make timely adjustments.
10 Financial risk Tax related risks
  • Proactively update tax-related legal regulations and maintain regular communication with tax authorities for support.
  • Prepare and submit tax reports in compliance with current laws, ensuring full and timely contributions to the state budget.
11 Compliance Risk Compliance risks
  • Prepare and submit reports in accordance with legal regulations, ensuring timeliness, completeness, and accuracy.
  • Monitor and update new or expected legal documents to adjust operational procedures and core business activities promptly.
12 Compliance Risk Environmental liability risks (e.g. incidents of wastewater / exhaust gas treatment systems, etc.)
  • Design and installation of automatic monitoring systems, machinery and equipment
  • Conduct periodic environmental monitoring and reporting as required.
  • Monitor the operation of wastewater and exhaust gas treatment systems, manage solid and hazardous waste, and develop and rehearse environmental incident response plans.
CONTRIBUTING TO THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS