Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Ho Chi Minh City (VNA) – Social corporate responsibility for environmental issues was featured at a seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 12.
The event, titled “Vietnam – EU free trade agreement: enhancing competitiveness via improved labour relations”, was co-hosted by the Swedish Embassy and the municipal chapter of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
Addressing the event, VCCI Deputy Chairman Vo Tan Thanh said once the EU – Vietnam free trade agreement takes effect in 2018, Vietnam’s gross domestic product and exports to the EU are forecast to grow 15 percent and 35 percent, respectively.
More than 1,700 projects worth 21.48 billion USD from 22 EU countries are valid in Vietnam, reflecting that the EU is one of Vietnam’s largest trade partners, he said.
Swedish Ambassador Camilla Mellander, said consumers’ demand for learning about products’ origin will force enterprises to meet the global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) standards.
Erik Anderson, representative of the Swedish Labour Federation, said mutual support between employers and employees will contribute to business growth, adding that such relations in Sweden provide an example for many countries worldwide.
Domestic business players experienced in exporting to the EU and the US also shared their opinions on labour relations, including protecting workers’ rights in employment, the production environment and compliance with relevant regulations.-VNA
