Demography is closely relevant to human resources and population, which requires in-depth studies and analysis to realise social-economic development plans.

Addressing a workshop in Hanoi on December 18, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen The Phuong stressed taking full advantage of the golden population period and improving education and healthcare services to raise the quality of people’s lives for the sustainable development of human resources in the 21st century.

Director General of the Global Human Resources Forum Secretariat under the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Training and Education Lee Namchul shared experience in dealing with demographic changes in the Republic of Korea, Japan and Thailand .

The massive migration has contributed to the urbanisation and economic growth in the light of global integration. The number of migrants rose to 3.4 million in 2009 from 1.3 million in 1989, more than half of whom were women aging from 15 to 29.

The wave of migration has created high and sudden demand for public services such as job, accommodation and health, experts said.

Participants suggested investigating and analysing carefully data in separate localities to promptly prevent unexpected development such as surging free migration, gender imbalance, partial population structure, and insufficient health and education services.

Vietnam should devise measures to support old people and slow down the aging of population in the near furture.

Proper policies will help the country fulfil its development targets until 2020, especially when it comes to job generation, improving public living standards, and reducing the development gaps between urban and rural areas.-VNA