Nov 27 2025 13:00 GMT+7
At the Workshop Reviewing the Program to Promote Harmonious Labor Relations in the Workplace Toward Sustainable Employment, organized by Bureau for Employers’ Activities – Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) on November 25, 2025 in Hanoi, Mr. Hoang Quang Phong, Vice President of VCCI, noted that as Vietnam’s economy undergoes rapid transformation toward greener, more digital, and more sustainable models, the labor market faces rising demands. In this context, he emphasized, requires both employers and employees to adapt swiftly while reinforcing the role of social partners in safeguarding balanced interests and maintaining stable labor relations.
Delegates attending the workshop shared experiences
Strengthened Tripartite Cooperation with Norway
Mr. Phong highlighted that cooperation in recent years, particularly in 2025, between VCCI, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL), and Norway’s NHO–LO has yielded substantial and practical outcomes.
“This initiative is not merely a technical assistance project. It represents an effective cooperation model that supports both employers and workers in engaging in dialogue, sharing responsibilities, and working jointly toward sustainable development,” he stated.
The program has strengthened the capacity of grassroots trade union officers and enterprise HR personnel through specialized training on collective bargaining, gender mainstreaming, workplace dialogue, and labor dispute prevention. Participating enterprises reported improvements in workplace cohesion and reductions in potential conflict risks.
A notable achievement is the development of a toolkit for early identification of labor conflict risks, providing enterprises and trade unions with a practical management instrument that supports sustainable labor relations.
Mr. Phong reiterated VCCI’s commitment to continued collaboration with VGCL and international partners, to expand successful cooperation models and develop new initiatives that meet the needs of a rapidly changing labor environment.
VCCIVice President Hoang Quang Phong delivering the opening remark
VGCL Prioritizes Dialogue and Gender Equality in Coming Term
A VGCL representative commended the program’s positive contributions, particularly in enhancing the capacity of trade union officers to advocate for gender equality and protect the rights of female workers.
Dialogue and gender equality will remain strategic priorities for the Vietnamese Trade Union during the 2026–2031 term. VGCL expressed its expectation that the program will continue into the next phase so effective models can be scaled across sectors and localities nationwide.
Norwegian Partners Affirm Long-term Commitment
Representatives from Norway underscored the significance of long-standing cooperation.
Mr. Reinaart Pretorius, Program Lead for Cooperation with VCCI at the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), noted that the partnership marks more than two decades of collaboration between VCCI and NHO, and aligns with the 55th anniversary of Vietnam–Norway diplomatic relations.
Mr. Magnus Holtfodt, Head of External Relations and the Cooperation Program with VGCL at Norway’s LO, remarked that the past two years have generated meaningful progress in workplace relations.
“We will continue this program in the coming years to support the business community, share international best practices, and contribute to developing constructive and harmonious workplace dialogue,” he said.
NHO - LO representatives at the workshop discussion session
Broad Participation and Tangible Benefits
According to Mrs. Vi Thi Hong Minh, Deputy Director of VCCI’s Employers’ Bureau, the program engaged 150 enterprises and 300 direct participants, more than 80% of whom were women. Thousands more benefited indirectly through training on wage policies and gender equality.
Key outputs include:Two assessment and awareness-raising tools; Two educational video clips on preventing labor disputes and addressing gender-based discrimination and violence; More than 16 employee welfare policies implemented by participating enterprises
These efforts have contributed to improved worker welfare and strengthened partnerships between VCCI, VGCL, sectoral associations, industry unions, and local labor federations.
Enterprises Report Positive Transformation
Representatives from participating companies shared practical insights.
Mr. Le Duy Đoan of Acecook Vietnam, which employs more than 7,000 workers, emphasized that annual dialogue conferences and gender-sensitive policies are implemented voluntarily as part of the company’s commitment to a sustainable workplace. Acecook’s initiatives include menstrual leave, childcare support allowances, dedicated lactation facilities, and activities honoring female employees.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Chief of Staff at Intimex Group, which has 1,200 employees, reported that the program helped the company refine its approach to maintaining harmonious labor relations. Intimex conducts monthly dialogue sessions, ensures the active participation of the trade union, and incorporates many union recommendations into corporate policy.
These efforts have contributed to: Annual growth rates of 15–50%; Average employee income of 20 million VND per month; Zero labor disputes or emerging conflicts
The company expressed hope that VCCI, VGCL, and Norwegian partners will continue supporting digital and technological solutions to enhance labor management and workplace engagement.
Bich Hop – BEA.VCCI
