Hanoi (VNA) – The DecentWork Country Programme Vietnam 2022 - 2026 was signed between representativesof the Vietnamese Government, workers, and employers and the InternationalLabour Organisation (ILO) in Hanoi on March 28.

The MoU on the programme was signedby Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, President ofthe Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Nguyen Dinh Khang, Chairmanof the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Pham Tan Cong, Presidentof the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) Nguyen Ngoc Bao, and ILO Country Directorfor Vietnam Ingrid Christensen.

The country programme provides acooperation framework for the ILO and the Vietnamese partners until 2026 with aview to ensuring decent and sustainable work for all and that by 2026,Vietnamese people, especially those at risk of being left behind, willcontribute and benefit equitably from the sustainable, inclusive, andgender-responsive economic transformation based on innovation,entrepreneurship, enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and decent work.

It also looks to ensure that peoplewill benefit from inclusive, gender-responsive,disability-sensitive, equitable, affordable and quality social services andsocial protection systems; have moved further out of poverty in all itsdimensions; and be empowered to reach their full potential.

Another priority of the prorgamme is thatpeople will benefit from and contribute to a more just, safe and inclusivesociety 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, inline with Vietnam’s international commitments.

Addressing the signing ceremony, MinisterDung said that since the Decent Work Agenda was launched globally by the ILO, Vietnamand the organisation have signed and implemented the Decent Work Country Programmefor 2006 - 2010, 2012 - 2016, and 2017 - 2021.

During the three phases, the ILO has always stood side by side withthe tripartite constituents of Vietnam (theGovernment, the workers' and employers' organisations) to effectivelycarry out this programme, helping to promote social equality and progress.

He affirmed that in the fourthphase, the Vietnamese Government will continue to focus on employment, humanresources development, and social security in association with internationaleconomic integration in the new context, ensuring the conformity with thesustainable development strategy, the balance between economic and social targets,as well as interests of workers, enterprises, and society.

ILO Country Director Christensennoted Vietnam’s priorities concerning green jobs and productivity, social protectionand security for workers, and maintenance of the effective governance the labourmarket and labour relations have been highly valued.

The ILO is ready to work closely with the Vietnamese Government and socialpartners, she said, adding that with close cooperation among the parties,differences can be created at the national and local levels.

She also expressed her belief that the signing and the Decent Work Country Programme Vietnam 2022 - 2026 will be the nextimportant step towards the common goal of promoting social equality andsustainable work for all./.