Declining fertility rate predicted to lead to workforce shortage
A prolonged low birth rate is forecast to directly impact the size and structure of the population, leading to consequences suchas labourer shortages, rapid population aging, and population decline.
Declining fertility rate predicted to lead to workforce shortage - Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - A prolonged low birth rate is forecast to directly impact the size and structure of the population, leading to consequences such as labourer shortages, rapid population aging, and population decline.
Vietnam's replacement fertility rate has dropped to its lowest level in the last 12 years and is projected to continue decreasing in the coming years, according to a report of the General Department of Population under the Ministry of Health (MoH).
Currently, 21 cities and provinces in Vietnam have reported low fertility rates, with some experiencing very low levels, concentrating in the southeast, Mekong Delta, and central coastal regions.
Localities with low fertility rates account for approximately 39.4% of the nation's population, significantly impacting the country's sustainable development process.
Vietnam is undergoing population aging and is among the fastest-aging countries in the world. The country is projected to become an aging society by 2036 and a “super-aged” society by 2049. This demographic shift from a young to an aging society will have multidimensional impacts at the national, regional, and global levels.
Experts said that if the fertility rate continues to decline at the current pace without interventions, Vietnam's population will experience negative growth by 2054-2059 and will decrease at an accelerating rate.
Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen said population work is both an urgent and long-term strategic task, affirming that the focus of population policy is being shifted from family planning to population and development.
Vietnam needs to study and propose specific policies to address and curb the declining fertility trend to ensure the nation's replacement fertility rate is sustainably maintained, he said, noting that the perspectives and experiences of implementing policies to cope with low fertility rates in countries around the world serve as valuable practical lessons for Vietnam in shaping its own policies.
༒ The MoH has proposed policies and solutions to sustainably maintain the nation's replacement fertility rate, Tuyen said, adding that adjusting solutions to align with reality is essential to prevent a situation where the fertility rate declines to a point where it cannot be reversed, as seen in some developed countries today./.
Without timely policy adjustments and solutions to raise the birth rate, Vietnam's population will gradually decrease, hindering the country's socio-economic development.
Population aging is an irreversible global trend and has a strong impact on all areas of society. The challenges that population aging brings to economic growth, politics, and social security issues are directly affecting the elderly.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
