Participants pose for a group photo at the forum (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – An international forum on vocational education and training (VET) themed “Upskilling the Logistics Workforce and Promoting Industry Linkages in the Digital Era” took place in Hanoi on October 24 as part of activities in the Vietnam - Australia Human Resource Development Programme (Aus4Skills).

The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA)’s General Department of Vocational Training and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Tan Dung affirmed logistics is a crucial service sector in the national economy as it supports economic connectivity and development.

According to Dung, with an average growth of 14-16 per cent per year, logistics is one of the fastest-growing and most stable sectors in Vietnam. The country has set a target to increase the contribution of the logistics industry to gross domestic product (GDP) to 8 - 10 per cent by 2025.

To realise this objective, the development of human resources is of utmost importance, he stressed.

The official recognised the cooperation and support provided by the Australian government for Vietnam in developing human resources, especially in building policies related to vocational education.

Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinoski underlined the necessity to develop logistics workforce skills for countries with large supply systems like Vietnam, affirming that Australia will help Vietnam with the vocational training necessary to make it happen.

The collaboration between the two governments will ensure that Vietnam has an effective and sustainable vocational education system to equip its workforce with the knowledge and skills needed for the future, he went on.

At the forum, participants shared models and experiences to ensure that learners are equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to the digital age.

They proposed policies to improve the quality of vocational education in Vietnam, and also discussed challenges to the development of the logistics industry in the country.

Aus4Skills aims to support Vietnam's socioeconomic development and stability through implementing Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) and alumni programmes, and improving vocational establishment governance and performance standards. These moves will help strengthen Vietnam's VET sector, and support the development of a capable public service, including advancing women in leadership, through the Vietnam Australia Centre (VAC).