Prime Minister hosts ILO Director-General

The Government chief made that pledge while receiving ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo in Ha Noi on June 30.

The Prime Minister expressed thanks to the ILO for its assistance to Viet Nam over the past years, particularly in designing the first Labor Code in 1994, and its subsequent amendments in 2012 and 2019.

In addition, ILO's technical assistance for projects on occupational safety, social insurance, labor relations, reduction of child labor and promotion of gender equality have been carried out effectively, making crucial contributions to the nation's development, noted the Prime Minister.

Viet Nam is committed to fostering innovation towards balancing and harmonious economic development and social development, emphasized Pham.

The country targets to increase labor productivity, expand and strengthen the social security system, reform labor market institutions and labor law, and ensure the legitimate interests of employees, added Government leader.

Viet Nam has a relatively large labor market with 52.3 million workers, he said, adding that the country has achieved significant progress in labor and trade union affairs, with more complete legal system on labor and social security and effective labor market management.

As a member of the ILO, Viet Nam has successfully realized its tasks, and fully implemented international commitments the nation has joined, stated Pham.

He suggested the ILO continue supporting Viet Nam to take part in the initiatives of the ILO and the UN in a suitable roadmap to achieve its goals of social equity and progress and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of employees in a sustainable manner.

Pham recommended the ILO assist Viet Nam in completing its legal system on labor and extensive reform of the social insurance system and wage policy as well as carry out technical projects to help the nation cope with increasing non-traditional challenges.  

Gilbert F. Houngbo, for his part, congratulated Viet Nam on its impressive development achievements, adding that the ILO, in particular, and the UN, in general, regard Viet Nam as a model for efforts and development for other nations to follow.

He expressed his hope that the nation will continue its development process to have more resources to spend on social security.

The ILO vows to continue supporting Viet Nam in terms of labor and employment, proposing the nation continue to actively become involved in the ILO's initiatives related to labor and employment, he said.

The ILO expects to work together with Viet Nam to realize initiatives of the ILO and the UN on promoting global employment, especially upholding advantages of both sides to enhance balanced development in spheres of economy, society and environment, shared Gilbert F. Houngbo./.