On August 22, 2025, at the Archify Live conference organized by Hubexo with the theme “Eco-Friendly Architecture – Building a Sustainable Future”, Mr. Dương Trọng Nghĩa, Project Director of Coteccons, participated in a panel discussion alongside other industry experts and shared his perspectives on the rising trend of green buildings and the journey of Vietnamese contractors expanding into international markets.
Balancing Quality and Cost – Coteccons’ Perspective
Mr. Nghĩa noted that the tension between cost and quality in construction isn’t solely driven by clients—intense competition among contractors, especially in the real estate market downturn post-COVID-19, plays a major role.
He emphasized: “Clients cannot push prices down if contractors themselves do not engage in fierce competition, creating a ‘red ocean’.” Coteccons opts instead to optimize through smart strategies—financial management, centralized procurement, and value engineering—to deliver real value rather than resorting to price undercutting.
Green Buildings – An Inevitable Trend
Regarding sustainability, Coteccons’ representative shared that nearly all their FDI-led projects now conform to green building standards (LEED, Lotus, GreenMark, EDGE). Locally, 20–30% of Vietnamese clients are aiming for green certification.
Mr. Nghĩa remarked that while green buildings used to cost 10–20% more, today the premium is minimal thanks to the widespread availability of green materials and solutions. Crucially, contractors and architects must recognize their responsibility to reduce emissions and contribute to sustainable development.
In practice, Coteccons has already implemented multiple green initiatives such as using solar power or LED lights for temporary site lighting, managing dust with rainwater, installing washing bays for construction vehicles, and prioritizing recycled and eco-friendly materials.
Going Global – Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnamese Contractors
A key highlight of Mr. Nghĩa’s sharing was Coteccons’ going global journey. In addition to hundreds of projects across Vietnam, the company has already established a presence in Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and India, while expanding into Taiwan and the United States.
According to him, the strengths of Vietnamese contractors lie in their hungriness, strong ambition for recognition, and the experience accumulated from working on FDI projects in Vietnam. However, when stepping into international markets, challenges such as differing technical standards, language barriers, and local regulations remain significant.
Mr. Nghĩa emphasized: “The international market, particularly in the US and Europe, is booming with demand in data centers, renewable energy, and semiconductor facilities. This is a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese contractors to assert their position—but it requires determination, right attitude, and strong adaptability.”
Coteccons – Building Sustainably, Shaping the Future
Through participation at Archify Live, Coteccons once again reaffirmed its strategic direction: not only leading in quality and safety, but also committing to sustainable development and actively expanding into international markets.
