Region-based monthly minimum wages in Vietnam will be increased by some 15 percent from January 1, 2015, as stipulated in a decree recently issued by the Government.

The wages vary in four different regions based on four separate benchmarks determined by living standards in each area.

In Region I - the most developed one with such areas as urban Hanoi, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City, the new minimum wage will be 3.1 million VND (147.6 USD), or 400,000 VND higher than the current level.

In region II, the wage will be 2.75 million VND (130.9 USD), up by 350,000 VND.

In region III, the minimum wage level will be raised by 300,000 VND to 2.4 million VND (114.3 USD).

In region IV - the least developed areas, the minimum wage will be 2.15 million VND (102.4 USD) or 250,000 VND higher than currently.

The wages will be applied to labourers employed by businesses, co-operatives, farms, households, individuals and organisations both domestic and foreign.-VNA