The project is funded by the Government of Luxemburg with total funding of US$530,000. The Vietnamese government contributes US$53,000 in kind.

The project is aimed at improving the centre’s capacity for training in labour safety and hygiene so that it can provide a contingent of teachers, trainers and labourers for the country.

Launched in June 2006, the three-year project will be implemented by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA)’ Labour Safety Department under the guidance of the International Labour Organisation.

MOLISA Deputy Minister Le Bach Hong said the project aims to help Vietnam implement the national programme on labour protection, especially in the process of international economic integration.

According to statistics, in the 2000-2004 period, Vietnam had 4,245 labour accidents, with a total death toll of 480 and the number of accidents increased by 17.38 percent a year. In the 199-2004 period, only 1.7 million labourers and 15,000 employees took part in training courses on labour safety and hygiene.

In Asia, Vietnam is the first country to ratify the international convention No 155 on labour safety and hygiene and environmental protection.