Digital economy, green growth: High-quality human resources are indispensable

Human resource development – ​​the foundation for dual transformation

On August 11, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, in coordination with the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Lao Dong Newspaper, organized a workshop on "Human resource development - a prerequisite for digital economy and green growth".

Mr. Nguyen Khanh Long, Deputy Director of the Department of Employment ( Ministry of Home Affairs ), emphasized: "Human resources are the most important endogenous factor promoting growth. Without quality human resources, all policies, technologies and capital cannot maximize their effectiveness."

He warned of a large gap between training and actual needs, as the country still has many workers who have not received primary or higher education. In particular, unskilled, middle-aged and female workers in industrial zones are at risk of being left behind if they are not retrained in time.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, former Director of the Institute of Labor Science and Social Affairs (ILSSA), said that human resources are no longer a cost that needs to be controlled but a source of value that needs to be invested in - a decisive factor for businesses to survive and thrive in the digital age and green growth. She emphasized the role of the Government as the "chief architect" in building a legal foundation, strategic orientation and connecting the national human resources ecosystem.

Enterprises - Trade Unions - State act together

Ms. Vi Thi Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Office of Employers (VCCI), stated: In the context of digital transformation and greening, human resources are the key factor determining competitiveness. Vietnam aims to have the digital economy account for 30% of GDP by 2030 and achieve zero net emissions by 2050, requiring priority to develop digital and green human resources. However, according to the Labor Market Bulletin for the first quarter of 2025, the proportion of trained workers with degrees and certificates is only 28.8%, lacking both quantity and quality, especially high-quality human resources.

She pointed out that the demand for human resources in information technology and digital industry is about 150,000 engineers/year but only meets 40-50%; the semiconductor industry alone needs 5,000-10,000 engineers/year but meets less than 20%. By 2030, about 2.5 million human resources are needed for digital transformation, not to mention the renewable energy and circular economy sectors. Meanwhile, many enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), lack resources for "dual transformation" (digital and green).

Ms. Vi Thi Hong Minh recommended that the State should complete the legal framework and policies to encourage digital and green human resource training; invest in vocational education and STEM; build a national database on skills. Enterprises need to build long-term human resource strategies; participate in developing training programs; invest in learning technology; and link business goals with ESG.

Training institutions need to update their programs to be closer to reality; increase international cooperation; apply dual training; develop high-quality lecturers; and promote the application of digital technology.

From the business perspective, Mr. Lai Hoang Dung - Chairman of the Trade Union of Samsung Electronics Vietnam Company - said: Samsung considers training as a strategic foundation, closely linked to technological innovation so that all workers can keep up with changes and no one is left behind.

Concluding the workshop, Ms. Thai Thu Xuong, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, affirmed: "Investing in workers today is the biggest way to save for the future. We cannot talk about green growth or digital transformation without changing the way we perceive and invest in human resources." The General Confederation will concretize this spirit into an action program, promote digital and green skills training, and expand the connection between trade unions - enterprises - training institutions.

Delegates agreed on the need to: Quickly complete the Human Resources Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050, linked to digital transformation and green growth. Build a national database on digital and green human resources. Enterprises invest long-term in internal training, linking skill upgrading with career paths. Trade unions proactively inform training needs, bring skills programs to the grassroots, ensuring that all groups of workers have equal learning opportunities.

Outstanding Enterprise Award for Workers 2025

Also on the afternoon of August 11, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and VCCI to hold a press conference to announce the Outstanding Enterprise for Workers Award 2025.

Ms. Thai Thu Xuong said that the award aims to recognize businesses that put people at the center, fulfill their obligations to the State, have social responsibility, and contribute to spreading positive values ​​in the business community. The award ceremony will take place on August 16 within the framework of the Creative Labor Festival, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2.

Mr. Hoang Quang Phong, Vice President of VCCI, informed: After 11 years, nearly 600 enterprises have been honored. In 2025, 28 selected enterprises all complied well with labor laws, built a green - clean - beautiful working environment, had policies that exceeded standards, and made positive contributions to the budget and the community. The program prioritizes private enterprises, FDI enterprises and joint stock companies with less than 50% state capital, in line with the spirit of Resolutions 57 and 68.

Mr. Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/kinh-te-so-tang-truong-xanh-khong-the-thieu-nhan-luc-chat-luong-cao-102250811164018271.htm