Social Responsibility of Electronic Businesses in Vietnam

On the 8^th January 2017, the Bureau for Employers' Activities (BEA) of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA) held a consultation meeting on the project of establishing the Vietnam Electronic Business Coalition. The union was established with the support of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Government of Japan.

Image from the Internet source

The alliance is a collection of members of multinational corporations, suppliers, business associations and political parties in the electronics industry of Vietnam (including the Government, and employers and employees organizations) to promote social work in Vietnam. The ultimate goal of the alliance is to contribute to more and better employment and to improve industrial relations in the electronics industry.

According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam has increased its electronics exports to 84% in the period of 2009 - 2013, and electronics is the second largest export source in Vietnam. Japan, the United States and Taiwan are big investors in this industry. In the North, large electronics companies have set up their operations, leading to the rise in electronic component manufacturers (i.e. supporting industries).

Image from the Internet source

Today, the electronics industry employs about 250,000 workers in 500 companies, mostly female and migrant workers. Labor deficits in the working age include health and safety related issues due to the exposure to hazardous chemicals. Businesses in the electronics sector must comply with not only national laws but also the international principles of standards for socially responsible labor practices. This continues to be a fundamental challenge for companies operating in Vietnam. Enterprises, especially in the electronics sector, should continue to raise awareness, support implementation and improve the capacity of carrying out responsible labor practices in Viet Nam.

The establishment of the Vietnam Electronics Business Coalition will help to encourage multinational enterprises to actively contribute to economic and social development through responsible labor practices in Viet Nam.

Giang Doan