Vietnam's support of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has seen businesses make major contributions to balancing the effects of globalisation, in areas such as the environment, labour rights and social welfare, according to a deputy minister of planning and investment.

Dang Huy Dong made the statement at the CSR Award ceremony for Investors of Republic of Korea (RoK) in Vietnam which was held in Hanoi on Oct. 26, adding that CSR allows businesses to expand into diverse markets.

"CSR is a commitment to contribute to sustainable economic development by improving working conditions which in turn benefit firms as well as society," he said, adding that businesses should follow standards of environmental protection, gender equality, labour safety and worker training.

The inaugural award ceremony was jointly held by Vietnam 's Ministry of Planning and Investment and the RoK's Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE) and also marked 20 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the RoK and the contribution of Korean companies to Vietnam development, while raising the profile of CSR practices in Vietnam .

Award winners included Chang Shin Co Ltd in southern Dong Nai province, Doosan Heavy Industries Vietnam in central Quang Ngai province and Posco E&C, which all employ more than 300 workers and were honoured as the largest contributors of Korean CSR in Vietnam .

Nanotech, based in northern Bac Ninh province and Auntex, based in southern Binh Phuoc province employ less than 300 people and won an encouragement award for medium-sized enterprises to contribute to CSR.

The event drew considerable attention and received widespread support from Korean business circles throughout the country, with the Korean Trade and Investment Promotion Agency receiving a large number of applications from Korean companies operating in a number of fields including construction, heavy industries, manufacturing, electronics and insurance.

Prizes were awarded based on companies' efforts to improve working conditions, support policies for victims of industrial accidents, and prevent industrial accidents, foster community partnerships to protect the environment and ecological protection efforts.

Director of the MPI's Foreign Investment Agency Do Nhat Hoang said social contributions from RoK enterprises have improved working conditions and the environment, which were highly appreciated by the Vietnamese Government./.