Enabling SME access to finance for sustainable consumption and production in Asia – An overview of finance trends and barriers in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the government is working to increase lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to diversify the types of financing available for SMEs. Fostering green growth and low-carbon development are also among the government’s top priorities. However, existing financial institutions are still somewhat inexperienced in providing financing to enterprises in green sectors. This study examines opportunities available for SMEs to obtain funding for sustainable consumption and production (SCP) measures, in particular for green innovations, efficiency improvements and pollution abatement. The study also identifies current challenges that restrain access to (green) finance for SMEs.