The seminar on how social dialogue contributes to sustainable business during and post pandemic is held in Hanoi on February 23. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – A seminar was held in Hanoi on February 23 by the Embassyof Sweden in Vietnam, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the SwedishWorkplace Programme (SWP) to discuss how socialdialogue contributes to sustainable business during and post pandemic.
The hybrid event was virtually attended by Swedish Ministerof Foreign Affairs Ann Linde.
In her opening remarks, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam AnnMawe said the fourth wave of COVID-19 has posed a number of major challenges toVietnam’s economy and society, such as labour shortage and supply chaindisruption. The pandemic has emphasised the need to consider the way people aredoing business to make it more sustainable, she said.
She noted that social dialogues at workplace is fundamentalto developing a well-functioning market economy and fostering a more cohesivesociety, inclusive growth and sustainable business.
Workers will gain more influence and better workingconditions; companies will benefit from improving productivity; and the societywill benefit from the social stability, she explained.
VCCI Chairman Pham Tan Cong said social dialogue is key tobalancing the interests of employees and employers and respecting social andcultural norms at workplace. It helps address disputes and issues, attract newinvestments and secure stable employment, he added.
Foreign Minister Ann Linde said she expects practices sharedby Sweden at the seminar will help promote social dialogue in Vietnam,contributing to the country’s sustainable development and prosperity.
Echoing Linde’s view, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Labour,Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha said Swedish experiences will help Vietnam review the role of social dialogue in maintaining business stability,create good foundation for negotiations and agreements, and build healthy industrialrelations. Social dialogue should be incorporated in policy-making, especially duringthe post-pandemic recovery, she stated.
Social dialogue remains a pressing issue since theEU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which took effect in August 2020, featuresa chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development outlining environmentalobligations and aspects related to labour issues.
Supporting Vietnam in promoting labour rights has been amajor aspect of the Vietnam-Sweden partnership over the last 52 years. The SWPhas been engaging in developing a dialogue environment in businesses in Vietnamsince 2020./.
