Strong social safety nets are crucial for developing a country’s workforce, Nordic countries said at a seminar in HCM City on March 20. — Photo from organiser
Ambassadors from four Nordic countries shared recommendations to enhance the adaptability and quality of Việt Nam’s workforce, highlighting the importance of social safety nets.
During a seminar in HCM City on March 20, Hilde Solbakken, Norwegian Ambassador to Việt Nam, said that dialogue between government, employers and workers has been central to the development of the welfare state in Nordic countries, helping their economies and labour markets adapt to an ever-changing world.
Ann Mawe, Sweden's Ambassador to Việt Nam, said that employers, unions and governments from Nordic countries have been working closely together to develop the social security safety net Nordic Model, in which free education and investment into research have resulted in highly skilled workers and a modern, high-tech society.
This model has received positive attention from the international community, and is credited for the region’s resilience during the recent economic crisis, she said.
Nordic countries focus on providing tax-funded state social services, investment in education, child care and elderly care, as well as protecting workforces with independent unions and strong social safety nets.
Finnish Ambassador to Việt Nam Keijo Norvanto said that wellbeing and innovation are key factors in the success of the Nordic Region.
Social safety nets in Nordic countries promote innovation by giving individuals confidence so they are willing to take risk, allowing them to explore new ideas.
Nordic countries implement many social initiatives to ensure a healthy balance between work and personal life, such as suitable working hours for employees, flexibility in work, many forms of support for families including child care leave, and affordable childcare, he said.
Danish Ambassador to Việt Nam Nicolai Prytz said that an appropriately skilled workforce is necessary for green transformation.
Green transformation will bring many new job opportunities, but low-skilled workers risk losing their jobs, especially in the informal sector or in polluting jobs.
Nordic countries are willing to share with Vietnamese partners their experience and lessons related to green transformation over the past 40 years, which they hope will inspire Việt Nam to develop a labour market that satisfies the requirements for green transformation while ensuring fairness, especially for vulnerable groups.
The seminar was held by the embassies and Fullbright University on the occasion of Nordic Day on March 23.
Việt Nam targets to become a country with higher income and net-zero emission by 2050.
It is focusing on shifting its labour market towards industries, high-tech and high skills. — VNS