Hanoi (VNA) - Ensuring decent work for all through advancements in skill upgrading, universal social security, and effective labor relations will be an integral part of the socio-economic development strategies and plans in the next stage that Vietnam is building. Building decent jobs in the coming period will have many advantages and challenges from extensive economic integration.
The information was given at the final review workshop on the implementation of the Vietnam-International Labor Organization (ILO) country programme on decent work for the 2017-2021 period organized by the Ministry of Labor- Invalids and Social Affairs in collaboration with ILO Vietnam on March 10 in Hanoi.
Decent work attached to ministries, branches
Decent work and the pillars of job creation, social security, rights at work and social dialogue have become integral components of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In Vietnam, decent work has long been seen as a component of the socialist-oriented market economy which is under construction.
According to Nguyen Manh Cuong, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs), Satisfactory jobs associated with many ministries and branches
Decent work and the pillars of job creation, social security, rights at work and social dialogue have become integral components of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In Vietnam, decent work has long been seen as a component of the socialist-oriented market economy under construction.
Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs) said that the national program on decent work identifies three priorities: promoting decent work and creating a favorable environment for sustainable business opportunities; reducing poverty through expanding social security coverage to all and reducing unacceptable forms of employment, especially for the most vulnerable; building an effective labor market management mechanism in compliance with basic labour principles and rights.
The National Decent Work Programme has achieved some achievements in building Vietnamese labour relations in line with international standards. The 2019 Labor Code has improved the legal framework for labor relations by expading the role of organizations representing workers and employers… However, to ensure decent work for workers, more are required, not just the labour regulations and policies.
Mr. Le Duy Binh, CEO of the Economic Management Consulting Joint Stock Company (Economica Vietnam), said that whether or not a decen work requires the participation of many ministries and branches that seem unrelated to the job, employment. Meanwhile, direct contribution and attention to this issue seems to be limited and needs more active participation of ministries and sectors in the coming time.
Opportunities in parallel with new challenges
Currently, Vietnam has set clear goals for socio-economic development. Vietnam aims to become a high-middle-income country by 2030 and enhance sustainability and inclusive growth. The path towards achieving these goals presents many opportunities but also challenges.
Experts review the implementation of the decent work country programme for 2017-2021 (Photo: Vietnamplus) Free trade agreements offer huge potential for direct employment and are the driving force behind the creation of more decent employment opportunities. According to Mr. Le Duy Binh, Vietnam is integrating deeply into the global economy with 17 signed free trade agreements (FTAs) and is negotiating two FTAs. This not only creates more job opportunities but also has great significance when it comes to changing the nature of employment in Vietnam.
Dr. Chang-Hee Lee, Director of ILO Viet Nam emphasised that the challenges of decent work from now on will no longer be the same as those Viet Nam has faced over the past 20 years. Therefore, it is necessary to change the approach to address challenges not only in the legal system but also in law awareness and enforcement. Improving labor productivity must move to a new process that ensures high-quality jobs. Economic improvements must be accompanied by improvements in social security. Decent work must bring about change for everyone./.
