Can Tho (VNA) – Corporate social responsibility to ensure the sustainable growth ofthe Vietnamese fishery sector was discussed at a seminar held in the MekongDelta city of Can Tho on October 26.
At the event, DoThuy Ha, Manager of Oxfam Vietnam Private Sector Programme, said businesses shouldbuild good working environments and carry out green production.
Ha cited theresults of an Oxfam survey as saying that most of 30 shrimp production companieshave practised social responsibility at different levels and pledged to meetall international standards in the field.
The practice hasbecome necessary for any firm wanting to build a strong brand and gain a footholdin the global market, she added.
Agreeing with theview, Pham Minh Luan, director of the KNA certification company, pointed to thefact that batches of Vietnamese aquatic products have been refused entry to theUS due to a lack of independent certification in criteria for labour rights,environment protection, and business ethics.
Alban Caratis, arepresentative of Seafood Trade Intelligence Company, said Ha’s assessmentshows that most enterprises have yet to define plans to protect workers’ rightsin the long term.
Weak knowledge amongmanagers about discriminations has led to inequality among employees in termsof bonuses, insurance, and annual leave, he noted.
Nguyen Thi Le Hoa,deputy head of the Oxfam Vietnam, said corporate social responsibility brings win-winbenefits to businesses, workers, the community, and the environment.
It requirescompanies to design long-term strategies and action plans to includeresponsibility as part of their business models, she added.-VNA