Improving labour productivity – key to sustainable development

In his speech, Minh stressed that the Party and State always pay special attention to labour productivity and focus on solutions to increase labour productivity, saying the recent 13th National Party Congress has set the target of increasing the average social labour productivity above 6.5%/year for the 2021-2025 period.

He cited the General Statistics Office, saying from 2011 to present, labour productivity has went up 2.7 times, from VND70 million/worker in 2011 to VND188.7 million/worker in 2023, which is a high level compared to the region.

Increasing labour productivity has positively contributed to the country’s socio-economic development, thus raising people’s income and improving their lives, said the PM, adding the average income of workers in the first quarter of 2024 was VND7.6 million, an increase of VND549,000 compared to the same period in 2023.

He highly appreciated the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, Trade Unions at all levels, the business community and workers across the country enthusiastically taking part in emulation campaigns, helping to increase labour productivity and contribute to the country’s overall achievements.

At the forum, the Government leader also requested that relevant ministries, sectors and localities, as well as the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and Trade Unions at all levels join hands to implement tasks and solutions aimed at increasing labour productivity according to Resolutions of the Party, National Assembly, and Government.

Accordingly, priority will be given to promoting growth which is considered the foundation for increasing labour productivity, helping to maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation and ensure major balances.

In addition, it’s necessary to boost the implementation of the three strategic breakthroughs - institutions, infrastructure, and human resources development associated with science, technology and innovation.

The PM emphasized the importance of improving the quality of education and vocational training at all levels to generate a strong workforce that meets the country’s development requirements in future.

It’s also imperative to promote the transformation of labour structure from informal to formal, and from low-productivity agriculture to higher productivity industry and services, he stressed.

The Government leader underscored the need to step up national industrialization and modernization; increase the proportion of industries, services and high-tech agriculture; and take care of the legitimate rights and interests of workers.

He proposed that the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour better perform its role, especially in engaging in social management, acting as a bridge to carry out policy dialogue activities, and share experiences in increasing labour productivity.

The confederation was asked to coordinate with the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs to work out a programme to support and develop vocational and life skills for workers.

They were required to regularly hold dialogue with the business community, investors, workers, and researchers to come up with appropriate solutions; mobilize workers to improve their professional qualifications and working skills;

For the business community, he asked them to accelerate the application of science and technology, especially digital technology and green technology; pay attention to the material and spiritual lives of workers; create a safe working environment; and have a salary and bonus regime for employees.

Last but not least, the PM asked workers to continuously cultivate and self-study to improve qualifications, skills, workmanship, experience, and adaptability.