Thang Long IP has more than 55,000 workers, 70 percent of whom are from other provinces. Their average income is around VND2.2-2.6 million per month.

They said that they have to be very frugal with their spending given the current price hikes. More than 10,000 workers have to pay rent to guesthouses that charge high prices.

Mr Trong affirmed that improving living standards for workers is the Party’s strategic task. He said Vietnam is developing a socialist-oriented market economy so the Party and State must pay more attention to workers because they directly create property.

Mr Trong praised Hanoi, Thang Long IP and businesses for coming up with measures to improve workers’ living conditions. He agreed with workers’ petitions and trade unions to propose that the Government raise the minimum salary and adjust social, health and unemployment insurance policies as well as other social policies. The Government will also create a policy to encourage businesses to build or provide houses for their workers, Mr Trong added.

He encouraged workers to train themselves to improve their political awareness, skills and qualifications to contribute to the country’s development.