Over the past years, the ILO Office in Vietnam has always supported the implementation of international labour standards, decent work, and inclusive growth in the Vietnamese business community.

The VCCI President emphasized that ILO's support has played an important role in strengthening the labour and employment policy framework, improving the capacity of employers and employees in exercising their rights and responsibilities.

"These initiatives not only improve working conditions but also contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient economy," said VCCI President.

In particular, the partnership between the ILO and VCCI has been the foundation of both parties’ shared success. Through the support of the ILO and the role of the VCCI as a representative of employers, they have better connected with the private sector, facilitating the implementation of practical solutions to business challenges.

VCCI and ILO have organized many workshops, training courses and dialogues, creating a platform for sharing ideas and best practices. This cooperation has facilitated sustainable business development, emphasizing corporate social responsibility, in compliance with labour standards and innovation.

VCCI President affirmed that the contributions of Ms. Ingrid Christensen, Country Director of the ILO in Vietnam, and her commitment to promoting strong cooperation have greatly contributed to deepening the relationship between ILO, VCCI and relevant parties in Vietnam.

Specifically, Ms. Christensen initiated and promoted many initiatives to improve the skills of the workforce, support small and medium enterprises, as well as advocate for fair and equal labour practices, opening up many new opportunities for cooperation and development and contributing to strengthening trust and solidarity among all stakeholders.

VCCI President hoped that VCCI and ILO would continue this effective cooperation, promote the achievements and face the challenges ahead with optimism and common commitment to contribute to the development of the Vietnamese business community in particular and the development of the country in general.

Ms. Ingrid Christensen expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the cooperation of VCCI and VCCI President, VCCI General Secretary Tran Thi Lan Anh and the Bureau for Employer's Activities during her working time in Vietnam.The ILO Country Director in Vietnam said that VCCI is a key partner in promoting decent work and social justice in Asia-Pacific; and highly appreciated the pioneering role of VCCI in promoting the principles of decent work and social justice, the fundamental values for sustainable development in terms of economy, society, governance and environment.

“VCCI is one of the leading employers’ organisations in the Asia-Pacific region. VCCI’s support plays an important role in the common effort to realize the sustainable development goals,” Ms. Ingrid Christensen emphasized.

In addition to the achieved results, the ILO highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts in incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) into the development strategy of industries, especially in the context of fluctuations in global supply chains and strict requirements from export markets.

“Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter. Along with key export industries such as textiles and electronics, coffee also has an opportunity to demonstrate its competitiveness through labour and ESG standards,” Ms. Ingrid Christensen said.

Referring to the role of VCCI in key councils such as the National Wage Council and the National Labour Relations Board, the ILO Country Director in Vietnam affirmed that this is an important foundation to help build a harmonious and sustainable working environment.

Ms. Ingrid Christensen expressed her hope that in the future, the ILO will continue to cooperate more extensively and effectively with VCCI in new projects. “The ILO’s efforts cannot be successful without the support of strategic partners like VCCI”, said she.