As Vietnamese consumers and public procurers increasingly favour “green” products, an official government ecolabel helps businesses prove their environmental commitment credibly. The Vietnam Green Label (Vietnam Ecolabel) is that mark. This guide explains what it is, how to qualify, and how it benefits your business.

What is the Vietnam Green Label?

The Vietnam Green Label (officially the Vietnam Ecolabel — Nhãn sinh thái Việt Nam) is the national ecolabel certifying environmentally friendly products and services. It is a government-issued label — previously under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Its legal basis includes the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection (Article 145), Decree 08/2022/ND-CP, and especially Circular 41/2013/TT-BTNMT, which sets out the certification procedure. Displaying the label is voluntary.

What are the criteria?

Under Circular 41/2013, the Vietnam Green Label criteria centre on two core elements:

1. The organisation’s compliance with environmental and labour laws.
2. The product’s full life cycle — from raw-material extraction, manufacturing, and distribution to use and disposal — causing less harm to the environment than comparable products.

In addition, each product group has its own specific criteria published by the Ministry.

Key characteristics

• A Type I-style ecolabel (in the spirit of ISO 14024): multi-criteria, life-cycle based, independently assessed.
• Government-issued: official and trusted in the domestic market.
• Voluntary: outside the scope of mandatory product-labelling law.

Which products typically qualify?

Recent awards show many certified products in environmentally friendly packaging, bags, and biodegradable products (e.g. companies such as Alta, Tan Thuan Thien, Stavian, Vafaco, Aneco), alongside other groups depending on the criteria published per product category.

Benefits of the Vietnam Green Label

• Government-backed “green” credibility that builds trust with domestic customers and partners.
• An advantage in public procurement and tenders, where environmentally friendly products are favoured.
• Protection against greenwashing through independent assessment.
• Alignment with Vietnam’s green and circular economy agenda.

Dossier and process (summary)

The application dossier typically includes:

• An environmental-protection activity report, or a valid ISO 14001 (TCVN ISO 14001) certificate.
• A product assessment report demonstrating conformity with the criteria, with test results (valid for no more than 6 months).
• The trademark registration certificate and the label artwork.

The dossier is submitted to the competent authority under the Ministry, which checks completeness, assesses it against the criteria, and issues the certification if compliant.

Our Vietnam Green Label services

We are an independent consulting and training provider, helping businesses prepare for and achieve the Vietnam Green Label (the label is issued by the competent government authority):

• Consulting to review and optimise your product/process against the target group’s criteria.
• Training on criteria, life-cycle assessment, and environmental dossiers (including ISO 14001 support).
• Dossier preparation and connection to suitable testing organisations.
• Support in working with the competent authority until the label is granted.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Who issues the Vietnam Green Label? The competent government authority — formerly the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

2. Is ISO 14001 required? The dossier accepts either an environmental-protection report or a valid ISO 14001 certificate. Having ISO 14001 makes the process smoother.

3. Do test results expire? Yes — they are typically required to be no older than 6 months when the authority receives a valid dossier.

4. Is labelling mandatory? No. Using the Vietnam Green Label is voluntary.

Contact us for a business consultation

ISC Global Co., Ltd. Hotline: +84 933 096 426 – +84 868 591 260 Email: info@iscglobal.asia | van.pham@iscglobal.asia Website: iscglobal.asia | iscglobal.edu.vn

Beyond the Buzzword: 5 Surprising Truths About the Vietnam Green Label

1. Introduction: The Greenwashing Dilemma

In a marketplace saturated with “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” claims, distinguishing between genuine environmental stewardship and calculated “greenwashing” has become a strategic necessity for both consumers and businesses. To bridge this trust gap, the Vietnamese government established the Vietnam Green Label (Nhãn sinh thái Việt Nam). While the label is voluntary, it serves as the nation’s definitive gold standard for environmental excellence. As a consultant, I often advise clients that this is no longer merely a marketing badge; it is a rigorous, government-backed certification that aligns a brand with the country’s high-level circular economy goals.

2. Takeaway 1: It’s Not Just a Label, It’s a Product “Biography”

The Vietnam Green Label is a “Type I” ecolabel, designed in the spirit of ISO 14024. Unlike single-attribute claims (such as “recyclable”), this certification requires a multi-criteria, life-cycle approach. This is a significant barrier to entry, as it prevents “problem shifting”—where a product is eco-friendly in one stage but environmentally damaging in another.

“The criteria center on the product’s full life cycle — from raw-material extraction, manufacturing, and distribution to use and disposal — causing less harm to the environment than comparable products.” — Circular 41/2013/TT-BTNMT

From a strategic perspective, this “cradle-to-grave” scrutiny means businesses must evaluate their entire supply chain. You cannot simply market a low-carbon product if the manufacturing process ignores toxic waste or labor compliance.

3. Takeaway 2: The Ministry Shift You Might Have Missed

One of the most critical updates for legal compliance is the recent administrative transition of the governing body. While formerly under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), authority for the Vietnam Green Label now lies with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

This shift is codified under Article 145 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection and Decree 08/2022/ND-CP. For businesses, failure to recognize this administrative transition risks significant delays in dossier processing. Staying updated on the specific product criteria published by the current Ministry is essential for any successful application.

4. Takeaway 3: Packaging is Winning the Green Race

The data from recent certifications reveals a dominant trend: the packaging and biodegradable materials sector is currently leading the transition. This is not a coincidence but a direct response to national policies targeting plastic waste and the broader circular economy agenda.

Recent successes demonstrate the momentum in this sector:

• 2024 Successes: Alta Plastic (Environmentally friendly bags), Tan Thuan Thien, Stavian Hóa Chất (Stavian Chemical), Di Dai Hung (ECO), Aneco, and Vafaco (Environmentally friendly packaging).
• 2025 Successes: Gimex II, Stavian, Indochina, Mai Le Van (Environmentally friendly packaging), Tan Phu Viet Nam, and In Thanh Do.

For manufacturers in the plastics and packaging space, this label has moved from “optional” to “essential” to maintain shelf space in retail environments that are increasingly hostile to traditional plastics.

5. Takeaway 4: The “Secret Weapon” for Public Procurement

Beyond consumer trust, the Vietnam Green Label provides a significant advantage in the B2B and B2G (Business-to-Government) sectors. As Vietnam integrates environmental standards into its public spending and circular economy roadmap, certified products receive preferential treatment.

“Government-backed ‘green’ credibility… builds trust with domestic customers and partners” and provides “an advantage in public procurement and tenders, where environmentally friendly products are favoured.”

This transforms a voluntary certification into a functional “secret weapon” for market expansion. Businesses holding the label are naturally positioned at the front of the line for state-funded projects and tenders that prioritize sustainable procurement.

6. Takeaway 5: The 6-Month Rule and the ISO 14001 Shortcut

The path to certification is technically demanding, and two specific logistical nuances often determine success or failure:

• The 6-Month Rule: Product assessment reports must include laboratory test results. These results must be no older than six months at the time the authority receives a valid dossier. Consultant Advice: Coordinate your laboratory testing phase to conclude immediately before dossier submission to avoid the high cost and delay of re-testing if administrative reviews are extended.
• The ISO 14001 Shortcut: A standard application requires a detailed “Environmental Protection Activity Report.” However, a valid ISO 14001 (TCVN ISO 14001) certificate can replace this entire report. This not only streamlines the application but also reduces the technical burden on your internal teams.

7. Conclusion: The Future is Certified

As the Vietnamese economy matures, the era of self-declared environmental claims is ending. Voluntary labels like the Vietnam Green Label are becoming the “new normal” for market entry and long-term viability. By moving beyond the “buzzword” and securing government-backed verification, businesses protect themselves against greenwashing allegations and align with the national shift toward a circular economy.

Is your business ready to move beyond self-claims and embrace a government-certified future?

If your products contain plastics, polyurethane, foams, textiles, rubber, adhesives, paints, electronics, or any chemical-intensive component, two regulations stand between your factory and your overseas customers: the European Union’s REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and the State of California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as California Proposition 65.

Both regulations share a single underlying message: if your product contains restricted chemicals above declared thresholds, you cannot legally place it on the market — or, in the case of Prop 65, you must carry a clear warning label that most major retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco) will reject outright.

For Vietnamese exporters, this is not a theoretical risk. Customs authorities at Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Long Beach routinely sample shipments. Brand-name buyers (IKEA, Decathlon, Walmart, Carrefour, Target) embed REACH and Prop 65 clauses in their purchase orders, with chargebacks ranging from USD 5,000 per non-conforming SKU to full container rejection.

The right move is to verify compliance before shipment — not after a recall notice arrives.

What REACH actually requires (in plain terms)

REACH is built around three control mechanisms that matter for finished-article exporters:

1. Annex XVII — Restrictions on hazardous substances. This is the regulation’s “do not exceed” list. As of 2026, Annex XVII contains over 70 entries restricting substances such as cadmium (Entry 23), Dimethyl Fumarate (Entry 61), Phthalates in plasticised materials (Entry 72, covering DIHP, DMEP, DiPP, DPP, DnHP), 8 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in skin-contact articles (also Entry 72), and Formaldehyde in articles (Entry 77).

2. SVHC — Substances of Very High Concern (Article 33). The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) maintains the Candidate List of SVHCs, currently containing 253 substances + 2 newly added entries (latest update: January 2026). Article 33 requires suppliers of articles to communicate the presence of any SVHC at concentrations above 0.1% by weight, both to downstream business customers (within 45 days of request) and, on request, to consumers.

3. PFAS and POP overlap. The EU’s Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation (POP) and the recent PFAS restriction proposal under REACH are increasingly relevant for waterproof, oil-resistant, and high-performance materials. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS are already banned; the broader PFAS restriction is expected to expand in 2026–2027.

Non-compliance is enforced by national authorities (BAuA in Germany, ANSES in France, HSE in the UK), with fines reaching EUR 100,000 per violation in most Member States and potential criminal liability for repeat offenders.

What California Proposition 65 actually requires

Proposition 65 is fundamentally a disclosure regulation, not a ban. California maintains a list of approximately 900 chemicals “known to cause cancer or reproductive harm,” and any product sold into California that exposes consumers to listed chemicals above the No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) or Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) must carry a specific warning.

The chemicals most commonly triggering Prop 65 violations for manufacturers like yours include Lead (NSRL: 0.5 µg/day for cancer; 0.5 µg/day for reproductive toxicity), Phthalates — particularly DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, and DnHP, Cadmium (NSRL: 0.05 µg/day inhalation), BPA, Acrylamide, and Formaldehyde.

The enforcement model is uniquely aggressive: Prop 65 grants a private right of action to citizen plaintiffs, who can sue any non-compliant manufacturer, importer, or retailer. Settlement amounts in 2024–2025 averaged USD 60,000–150,000 per case, with plaintiff attorneys’ fees often exceeding the actual penalty.

For Vietnamese exporters selling to Amazon US, Walmart.com, or any retailer with California distribution, Prop 65 testing is no longer optional — it is part of vendor onboarding.

The ISC Global verification pathway

ISC Global has developed a structured, repeatable consulting pathway for REACH and California Proposition 65 verification, specifically tuned to the manufacturing realities of Vietnamese factories. Our role is to sit between you and the accredited laboratory — translating regulatory language into actionable steps, ensuring your samples and dossiers are accepted on the first submission, and reducing the total compliance timeline from months to weeks.

Step 1 — Initial assessment and gap analysis. We review your product, Bill of Materials (BOM), supplier declarations, and existing test reports. We map each material against the relevant Annex XVII restrictions, the current SVHC Candidate List, and the Prop 65 chemical list. Output: a written technical scope identifying exactly which parameters need testing, which can be skipped based on existing evidence, and where supplier declarations are required.

Step 2 — Sample preparation guidance. Laboratories reject roughly 30% of incoming samples in Vietnam due to incorrect sample size, mixed materials, missing representative homogeneity, or contaminated packaging. We provide you with documented sample preparation protocols specific to your product type (homogenous polymer, multi-layer composite, coated article, etc.) and validate the prepared samples before shipment to the lab.

Step 3 — Test Request Form preparation. A poorly completed Test Request Form (TRF) is the single most common cause of delayed test results. We complete the TRF with you, declaring the full material composition, the regulatory framework, the test methods, and the reporting format required.

Step 4 — Laboratory coordination with our accredited partner. Samples are tested by our accredited laboratory partner — an internationally recognised testing organisation operating under ISO/IEC 17025 scope with a global accreditation network. Test methods follow internationally recognised standards: EN 16711-2:2015 (heavy metals), ISO 14389:2014 (phthalates), AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK (8 PAHs), CPSC methods (Prop 65), and validated in-house methods for SVHC screening and PFAS.

Step 5 — Test report review and interpretation. We translate raw analytical results into a compliance verdict, benchmarked against the regulatory limits. Where a parameter exceeds the limit, we provide a corrective action pathway: substitute material identification, supplier change recommendations, or reformulation guidance.

Step 6 — Compliance dossier and Certificate of Verification. ISC Global issues a bilingual (Vietnamese / English) Certificate of Verification, supported by the underlying laboratory test report and a technical compliance dossier. This dossier is structured to satisfy buyer onboarding requirements at IKEA, Decathlon, Target, Walmart, and Amazon Vendor Central.

Step 7 — Post-certification advisory. The SVHC list is updated by ECHA every six months (typically in January and July). Annex XVII restrictions are amended several times per year. We monitor these changes against your product portfolio and notify you of any new obligations within 14 days of publication in the EU Official Journal.

Two service tiers tailored to your market entry strategy

We offer two service options because the right scope of testing depends on your market and your buyer:

Option 1 — Full REACH + California Proposition 65 verification. This option covers Extractable Heavy Metals, Phthalates (Annex XVII Entry 72), 8 PAHs, the full 253+2 SVHC list, Cadmium content (Entry 23), Dimethyl Fumarate (Entry 61), Formaldehyde (Entry 77), PFAS screening (REACH and POP Regulation), plus Lead and Phthalates under California Prop 65. This is the recommended scope for first-time exporters to the EU and U.S., and for any manufacturer onboarding with major retailers.

Option 2 — Targeted Phthalates verification. This narrower scope covers REACH Annex XVII Entry 72 Phthalates, SVHC 253+2 substances, and Prop 65 Phthalates content. It is appropriate when your buyer specifically requires only Phthalates evidence, or when your product is already covered by separate heavy metal and PAH test reports.

Total project timeline is typically 4–6 weeks from contract signing to Certificate of Verification, including 2–3 weeks of laboratory turnaround.

Why work with ISC Global

ISC Global is a Vietnam-based international standards training and certification partner with a portfolio spanning ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 37001, ISO 14064, EcoVadis, ISCC EU, SEDEX SMETA, FM Approvals, Fairtrade, REACH, RoHS, and California Proposition 65…

What sets us apart for chemical compliance work is the combination of three capabilities under one roof: ESG and chemical compliance consulting, direct laboratory partnership with an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing organisation, and legal-grade documentation prepared by consultants who include lawyer-in-training expertise. Our deliverables are designed to withstand both regulatory inspection and buyer audit.

We have supported manufacturers in polyurethane, food contact materials, textiles, footwear, furniture, electronics, packaging, and chemical trading — and our bilingual deliverables are built from day one for use with international customers.

Get started

If you are preparing for a first export shipment, responding to a buyer audit, or facing a Prop 65 demand letter, we can begin with a no-obligation product assessment.

Email: info.vietnam@iscglobal.asia | van.pham@iscglobal.asia

Hotline: +84 933 096 426 | +84 868 591 260

Website: www.iscglobal.asia | iscglobal.edu.vn

ISC Global — Your trusted partner for international standards certification and chemical compliance verification in Vietnam.

Contact us today to receive dedicated advice and the most suitable solution for your business!

Hotline: +84 933096426 – +84 868 591 260

Email:

• info@iscglobal.asia
• van.pham@iscglobal.asia

Website:

• https://iscglobal.asia/
• https://iscglobal.edu.vn/

Partners in Vietnam:

Contact Vietnam representative: Duc Luong Services

Hotline: +84 933096426 – +84 868 591 260

Email: ducluongservices@gmail.com

Solutions to improve management capacity and competitiveness for businesses and organizations

Introduction to Core Management Systems and the role of international standards

In the context of an increasingly competitive market and increasing quality requirements, building a Core Management System according to international standards such as ISO and CMMI has become a key factor to help businesses and organizations improve their governance, optimize operational efficiency and ensure sustainable development. These standards not only orient businesses in terms of processes and risk control, but also create trust for customers and partners thanks to a professional and transparent management system.

Benefits of obtaining certification and participating in training on ISO and CMMI standards

Achieving ISO or CMMI certification helps businesses affirm their reputation, improve the quality of products/services and expand opportunities for international cooperation. In addition, the methodical training process helps the HR team understand the requirements, apply them effectively in practice, thereby minimizing errors, saving costs and improving productivity. International certification is also a “passport” for businesses to access major markets, bid for professional projects and increase brand value.

List of Core Management Systems Standards – Brief Description

• ISO 9001: Quality management system, ensuring stable products/services and meeting customer expectations.
• ISO 14001: Environmental management, helping businesses reduce negative impacts on the environment and comply with legal regulations.
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management, worker protection, risk reduction in the workplace.
• ISO 50001: Energy management, energy use optimization, cost reduction, and environmental protection support.
• ISO 22000: Food Safety Management, Quality Assurance and Safety in the Food Supply Chain
• ISO 27001: Information  security management, data protection from risks and ensuring security for businesses.
• ISO 20000-1: IT service management, improving quality and efficiency in the provision of information technology services.
• ISO 22301: Business continuity management, helping businesses prevent and respond to incidents, maintaining stable operations.
• ISO 37001: Anti-corruption management system, building a transparent and integrity business environment.
• ISO 21001: Management of educational organizations, improvement of training quality, meeting the requirements of students.
• ISO 13485: Medical  Device Quality Management, Ensuring Safety and Efficacy for Medical Products.
• ISO 28000: Supply Chain Security Management, Risk Prevention and Value Chain Protection.
• ISO 55001: Asset management, asset utilization optimization, reduction of operating costs.
• ISO 39001: Road Traffic Safety Management, Accident Reduction and Traffic Risks.
• ISO 31000: Risk management, effective risk identification, assessment and control.
• ISO 29001: Quality  management of the oil and gas industry, ensuring safety and quality in the energy industry.
• ISO 41001: Facilities  management, system operation optimization and maintenance.
• ISO 37301: Compliance management, meeting legal regulations and ethical standards.
• ISO 44001: Business  Cooperation Management, Promoting Effective Linkages and Cooperation Between Parties.
• ISO 22316: Resilience management, strengthening response capacity and recovery after incidents.
• ISO 10002: Customer  Complaint Management, Enhancing Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty.
• ISO 10004: Management measures customer satisfaction, improves service quality.
• ISO 10015: Management  of training and capacity development of human resources.
• ISO 19600: Compliance management guidelines, supporting the development of an effective management system.
• ISO 20700: Guidance on management consulting services, improving the quality of consulting services.
• IMS: Integrated management system, combining multiple standards to optimize governance.
• CMMI Level 3 & 5: Standardize software and project development processes, improve management efficiency, optimize product quality.

ISO, CMMI training and certification services – Process, commitment and professional support

We provide training and certification services for the standards of the Core Management System Pillar with a professional process, a team of experienced lecturers and a commitment to accompany businesses from consulting, implementation to evaluation and certification. Dedicated technical support, updated documents, detailed answers to all questions, helping businesses confidently complete the system and achieve international certification quickly and effectively.

Contact us for advice and register today

If you are looking for solutions to improve management capacity and affirm your position in the market, please contact us for detailed advice and registration for training services – certification of ISO and CMMI standards. Don’t miss the opportunity to step to new heights, build a solid management system, and develop sustainably with us!

ISC Global Co., Ltd.

Hotline: +84 933096426 – +84 868 591 260

Email:

• info@iscglobal.asia
• van.pham@iscglobal.asia

Website:

• https://iscglobal.asia/
• https://iscglobal.edu.vn/

Đối tác tại Việt Nam: 

Contact Vietnam representative: Duc Luong Services

Hotline: +84 933096426 – +84 868 591 260

Email: ducluongservices@gmail.com

Website:

• https://ducluongservices.com

STC VN Co., Ltd.

Hotline: +84 933096426 – +84 868 591 260

Email: info@staunchlyservices.com.vn

Website: https://stauchlyservices.com.vn

What Pressures Are Vietnamese Businesses Facing Today?

The global marketplace is evolving rapidly. Partners in the EU, US, and Japan increasingly require suppliers to provide transparent evidence of environmental responsibility, fair labour practices, sound governance, and social accountability. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is now in force. ESG requirements in investment and procurement are no longer optional.

The question is: Is your business ready?

ISO standards are strategic management systems that help businesses not only meet today’s requirements, but build the foundations for long-term competitiveness. ISC Global — a leading provider of ISO consulting and certification services aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals — is ready to guide you every step of the way, from initial assessment to receiving your international certificate.

ISO & the 17 SDGs: A Strategic Connection Every Business Needs to Understand

Many businesses ask: Which ISO standards should we adopt to meet ESG and SDG requirements? The answer depends on your sector and strategic objectives, but the table below provides a comprehensive overview:

Implementing the right ISO standards does more than earn a certificate — it establishes a modern, transparent, and sustainable management system across the entire organisation.

ISC Global’s ISO Service Portfolio

I. Environment – Energy – Climate Change

II. Human Rights – Labour – Diversity – Occupational Safety

III. Governance – Transparency – Anti-Corruption – Compliance

IV. Partnerships – Supply Chain – Sustainable Procurement

V. Education – Innovation – Quality

Comprehensive Benefits of ISO Certification for Your Business

ISO certification is not just a document on the wall. When implemented properly, it delivers real, measurable value across four dimensions:

Why Choose ISC Global?

The ISO consulting market has no shortage of providers. So what sets ISC Global apart?

• Field-proven expertise, not just theory – Our team has implemented ISO systems for manufacturing conglomerates, FDI enterprises, educational institutions, government bodies, and export supply chains.
• 80% practical, hands-on training methodology – No foreign templates imposed. No tick-box formalities. Documentation systems are tailored to each client’s business model and scale.
• Clear, guaranteed outcomes – 100% of systems are designed to fit real operations. Transparent pricing with no hidden costs. We guarantee a successful first-attempt certification audit.
• Competitive pricing with a clear roadmap – Detailed quotation upfront, with no contract variations.
• Long-term partnership – We remain by your side after certification, supporting continual improvement, maintaining system effectiveness, and preparing for surveillance and recertification audits.

ISC Global’s ISO Implementation Process – End to End

We follow a structured 9-step methodology, ensuring no requirement of the standard is overlooked:

1. Current state assessment – Conduct a gap analysis between existing practices and the standard’s requirements
2. Implementation roadmap – Develop a detailed project plan with clear milestones and responsibilities
3. Awareness & specialist training – Equip the entire team to understand and own the management system
4. Documentation system development – Policies, procedures, work instructions, and forms
5. Implementation & trial run – Execute in real operations, collect evidence, and address emerging issues
6. Internal audit – Conduct a comprehensive review before the certification audit
7. Corrective action & improvement – Address non-conformities and enhance system effectiveness
8. Certification audit – Support the organisation through the full process with the certification body
9. Post-certification maintenance & improvement – Ongoing support to keep the system performing effectively

ISO: The Key to Unlocking Sustainable Growth

In an era where ESG performance, Net Zero commitments, CBAM compliance, and corporate social responsibility have become commercial imperatives, no business can afford to stand on the sidelines. ISO standards are not a burden — they are a modern governance framework that empowers Vietnamese businesses to operate with confidence domestically, compete internationally, and grow sustainably in alignment with the 17 SDGs.

ISC Global Co., Ltd.

Hotline: +84 933096426 – +84 868 591 260

Email:

• info@iscglobal.asia
• van.pham@iscglobal.asia