The new document sets the framework for the co-operation between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Viet Nam’s tripartite constituents until 2026 to make progress towards achieving social justice and decent work for all in the country.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding on the Decent Work Country Programme were Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, leaders of social partners (President of the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Nguyen Dinh Khang, President of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of the Viet Nam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) Nguyen Ngoc Bao) and ILO Viet Nam Director Ingrid Christensen.

With the role of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) representing employers' organizations, VCCI Vice President Hoang Quang Phong shared the hope that the Decent Work Country Programme “is designed and implemented in a way that meets the practical needs and priorities of the social partners on labour and employment”. These needs and priorities focus on a number of issues, including promoting labour market institutional reform; strengthening ecosystems to promote the development of industries towards inclusiveness and sustainability; and equipping workers with the knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the digital era and the world of work.

The representative of tripartite constituents in Viet Nam, Government, Workers’, and Employers’ Organizations agreed to set out three country priorities:

“By 2026, people in Viet Nam, especially those at risk of being left behind will:

• contribute to and benefit equitably from sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive economic transformation based on innovation, entrepreneurship, enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and decent work.
• 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.
• 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 Viet Nam’s international commitments.”

This is the fourth Decent Work Country Programme for Viet Nam (with the previous one covering the 2017-21 period) since Viet Nam rejoined the ILO in 1992. The first collaboration between ILO and Viet Nam was to assist the country in developing its Labour Code in 1994 when Viet Nam had to form a new legal framework to govern the labour market as part of the Doi Moi.

‘Throughout the past three cycles, the ILO has worked alongside Viet Nam's tripartite partners to effectively implement the decent work programme, contributing to the promotion of equity and social progress.’ said Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung at the signing ceremony.

The Minister suggested the ILO and the social partners develop an implementation plan for the new phase of the programme. In the coming time, priorities should be given to the continued support for labour law reforms, the development of social policies for 2023-30, and harmonious industrial relations at enterprises.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung further asked for ILO’s support towards the ratification of a number of ILO Conventions including the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87). In the context of rapid digital transformation, an aging population and climate change, he noted the importance of support on improving capacity to ensure a just transition towards a green, sustainable economy.

The 2022-26 programme translates the ILO’s core mandate of advancing opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in condition of freedom, equity, security and human dignity, into the country’s context.

Under lining the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL)’s role as representing and protecting the rights and interests of workers, VGCL President, Nguyen Dinh Khang shared his belief that: “The Decent Work Country Programme, 2022-26 is suitable and meets the needs of Viet Nam and of the Vietnamese Trade Union in particular towards realising the goal of decent work for all. VGCL is committed to actively participating in the implementation of specific action plans to successfully implement the Programme.”

Chairman of the Viet Nam Cooperative Alliance, Nguyen Ngoc Bao, said: “The signing of the National Framework for Decent Work demonstrates Viet Nam's responsibility as a member of the ILO and the Government of Viet Nam’s commitment towards promoting the goals in labour, employment and social protection.”

“Viet Nam’s priorities on creating green and productive jobs, pursuing labour and social protection and maintaining sound labour market governance can be seen as an inspiration”, noted ILO Viet Nam Director Ingrid Christensen, while also mentioning the initial discussion with Viet Nam to become a pathfinder country of the UN Secretary-General’s initiative: the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions.

The ILO Viet Nam Director expressed confidence that the leadership of the Vietnamese Government and social partners together with ILO technical support would see the 2022-26 Decent Work Country Programme being implemented and monitored effectively at both the national and local level.

The ILO continues to be delighted and ready to work closely with the Vietnamese Government and our social partners. We believe the signing today and the Decent Work Country Programme, 2022-26 will be the next steppingstone in the journey towards achieving the common goal of social justice and decent work for all,” shared Ms Christensen.