The signing ceremony of Vietnam decent work country program 2022-2026, Hanoi, March 28, 2023The MoU on the program was signed by Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Nguyen Dinh Khang, Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Pham Tan Cong, President of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) Nguyen Ngoc Bao, and ILO Country Director for Vietnam Ingrid Christensen.

This is the fourth Decent Work Country Program between the ILO and tripartite constituents (the Government, the workers' and employers' organizations) to address the decent work challenges with an aim to assuring all Vietnamese women and men opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income; security in the workplace and social protection for families; better prospects for personal development and social integration and freedom for people to express their concerns, organize and participate in decisions that affect their lives.

The program sets out three priorities that by 2026, people in Vietnam, especially those at risk of being left behind will:

(i) contribute to and benefit equitably from sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive economic transformation based on innovation, entrepreneurship, enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and decent work;

(ii) benefit from inclusive, gender-responsive, disability-sensitive, equitable, affordable and quality social services and social protection systems, will have moved further out of poverty in all its dimensions and will be empowered to reach their full potential; and

(iii) benefit from and contribute to a more just, safe and inclusive society based on improved governance, more responsive institutions, strengthened rule of law and the protection of and respect for human rights, gender equality and freedom from all forms of violence and discrimination, in line with Vietnam’s international commitments.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung said that since the Decent Work Agenda was launched globally by the ILO, Vietnam and the organization have signed and implemented the Decent Work Country Program for 2006 - 2010, 2012 - 2016, and 2017 - 2021.

He affirmed that in the fourth phase, the Vietnamese Government will continue to focus on employment, human resources development, and social security in association with international economic integration in the new context, ensuring the conformity with the sustainable development strategy, the balance between economic and social targets, as well as interests of workers, enterprises, and society.

ILO Country Director Christensen said that the ILO is ready to work closely with the Vietnamese Government and social partners, she said, adding that with close cooperation among the parties, differences can be created at the national and local levels./.