Representatives of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) had talks with a delegation of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC) in Hanoi on July 1, affirming their determination to foster friendship and cooperation.

VGCL Vice Standing Chairman Tran Thanh Hai highlighted the sound development of bilateral relations which were set up not long ago, as illustrated by regular meetings and workshops on trade union activities, information exchanges, and mutual support at international forums.

The All Japan Seamen’s Union has coordinated with the VGCL to implement a project on improving Vietnamese sailors’ capacity since 1997, offering 34 training courses for thousands of targeted people. Meanwhile, the JTUC has asked the Japan International Labour Foundation to carry out training programmes on labour safety and hygiene and productivity improvement for Vietnam since 2012, he added.

Hai said the VGCL hopes to receive more assistance from the JTUC in building a strong trade union movement in Vietnam.

At the talks, JTUC Assistant General Secretary Michiyo Nambu said she believes her working visit to Vietnam will contribute to the close partnership between the two sides, adding that trade unions of the two countries’ localities will bolster exchanges and collaboration in the time ahead.

She suggested both sides’ trade unions continue enhancing cooperation in solving problems related to one country’s labourers working in the other, equipping labourers with a better working style, and protecting workers’ interests.-VNA