Hanoi promotes productivity and decent work through digital transformation and green transition

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Private Enterprise Development and Cooperative Economy Department, Ministry of Finance, is organizing a training course in Hanoi from April 9–10 to strengthen the capacity of organizations supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to promote productivity and decent work through digital transformation and green transformation.

Second session in a five-part series

This is the second training in a five-session series for organizations and enterprises in Vietnam’s northern provinces. The program is an ILO initiative co-funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Government of Norway.

The training brought together hundreds of officials, experts, and consultants in productivity, digital transformation, and green transformation, along with representatives from associations and SMEs in manufacturing.

From theory to practical tools

The course covers linkages among productivity, digital transformation, and green transformation, including working conditions. It also addresses the role of needs assessment in designing support programs for SMEs and introduces evaluation tools.

Participants discussed market trends and new requirements related to green growth and sustainable development, including approaches linked to legal requirements, supply chains, and international integration. The training also focused on feasible green transformation solutions that can help enterprises save raw materials, reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, improve waste management, and support cleaner production.

In addition, the program examined how to mobilize resources—such as finance, people, and technology—and the challenges of building a local enterprise network.

People-centered transformation and decent work

ILO Country Director for Vietnam, Ms. Sinwon Park, said the transformation process must be people-centered. She emphasized that technology and greener production methods should not be treated as ends in themselves, but should help enterprises improve competitiveness while also improving working conditions, safety and hygiene at work, cooperation in the workplace, and development opportunities for both workers and managers.

Ms. Park linked this approach to the ILO’s Productivity Ecosystem framework for decent work, which connects productivity improvements with better working conditions and responsible enterprise development.

Vietnam’s SME base and policy support

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tho, Deputy Director of the Private Enterprise Development and Cooperative Economy Department, Ministry of Finance, said Vietnam has more than 1 million enterprises and 5.2 million households and individual businesses in operation. He added that 98% are SMEs, described as the backbone of the national economy, and that this group is at the forefront of science and technology development, innovation, and digital and green transformation.

He noted that the Party and State have issued policies including Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation; Resolution 68-NQ/TW; and Resolution 198/2025/QH15. According to Mr. Tho, individuals and officials in organizations that support enterprises, together with experts and consultants in productivity, digital transformation, and green transformation, play key roles.

He also said these organizations act as a bridge between state policy and business reality by designing, implementing, and managing support programs tailored to practical needs and local orientations, helping enterprises overcome challenges and integrate more deeply into global value chains.

Cross-sector dialogue to expand digital and green transformation

From Norway’s experience, Ms. Mette Møglestue, Deputy Ambassador of Norway to Vietnam, stressed the importance of cross-sector and cross-organizational dialogue. She said the training brought together the ecosystem needed for substantive progress, including government agencies, a team of experts, business associations, and the business community learning and sharing with one another.

She said this collaboration is a key factor in expanding digital and green transformations effectively while ensuring alignment with local practical conditions.