A Workshop on “Improving productivity for integration into the global value chains” under the framework of SCORE Program took place on 27 October 2017 in Ho Chi Minh City. The event was jointly organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to wrap up Phases I and II (2011 – 2017) and simultaneously announce a third phase (2017 – 2021). The program will focus on scaling up the SCORE’s training and advisory services to other production sectors (e.g. textile, footwear and supporting industry) by strengthening the institutionalization of SCORE Training and the engagement of governmental stakeholders and lead buyers.
The event gathered a wide range of stakeholders from the central and local governmental agencies, business associations, trade unions, Vietnamese SMEs and multinational companies. The results achieved in the areas of improved productivity and working conditions through the SCORE Training were highly acknowledged by the participating companies and associations, and also applauded by the governmental agencies.
Mr. Vo Tan Thanh, Vice President of VCCI, appreciated the financial contribution from the Governments of Switzerland and Norway and confirmed that “the SCORE Program is highly relevant, practical and responsive to the current needs of Vietnamese SMEs”. “The support has not only improved the performance of participating SMEs, but also the sectoral business associations, and ultimately the competitiveness of the whole industry will be improved”, he added.
With the on-going challenges faced by local SMEs, Mr. Chang-Hee Lee, Director of ILO Vietnam, stated that “SCORE Training has focused on initiating and supporting an improvement in workshop layout and operations, quality management, cleaner production and a safe and healthy working environment through nurturing, facilitating and embedding worker-management dialogue processes in the workplace.” Mr. Chang-Hee Lee further stated that the SCORE Training has been instrumental in creating and spreading business innovation culture for better performance of SMEs, and improving productivity for them to better integrate into the global value chains.
Representing Switzerland at the event, Mr. Othmar Hardegger, Swiss Consul General to Vietnam, congratulated VCCI, ILO and their partners for the successful implementation of Phase II. The Swiss Consul General emphasized that Switzerland attaches high importance to the situation and efforts regarding productivity and working conditions in SMEs. “The core values that Switzerland has adopted to develop SMEs include social dialogue, solidarity, humane working conditions and integration into the world economy”, Mr. Hardegger explained. “Through the continuation of the SCORE program, Switzerland is pleased to share these values with its Vietnamese partners”, he concluded his opening remarks..
An exhibition of the key improvements achieved by the participating SMEs was also arranged at the workshop for the purpose of experience and good practice sharing.
For further information, please check the program website: www.score.com.vn or contact:
Do Quang Huy
National Programme Officer SECO
Embassy of Switzerland in Vietnam”
Swiss Cooperation Office
Hanoi Central Office Building, 15th Floor
44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +84 4 3934 65 89 (ext. 803976)
Fax: +84 4 3934 66 33
Email: huy.doquang@eda.admin.ch
www.eda.admin.ch/hanoi
