The Hanoitimes - Vietnam is a signatory of many international commitments on trade, labor and other responsible business practice standards to guide domestic law. Responsible business should not be seen as another layer of regulation or as an administrative burden, but rather, an essential foundation for ensuring Vietnam’s continued economic, social and environmental development and better attracting foreign investment, participants at a national workshop have said. Speaking at national consultation workshop titled “Advancing responsible business practice in Viet Nam” in Hanoi on October 21, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen highlighted the opportunity for Vietnam to advance responsible business practice, which differs from corporate social responsibility (CSR), which is voluntary in nature. UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen speaks at the workshop. Photo: Minh Tuan The workshop was cohosted by the Government of Sweden, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and UNDP Vietnam to receive feedback and insights from representatives of the Government, businesses, business associations, development partners, UN agencies, NGOs, research and academic institutions. “Covid-19 has disclosed pre-existing inequalities and vulnerabilities in our systems, including in how we do business,” she said. “Vietnam has shown tremendous leadership in managing the pandemic. Recovering from and co-existing with Covid provides Vietnam with an opportunity to extend this leadership and build forward better, by rebuilding businesses that are responsible to the people and the environment. They can continue to drive economic growth without compromising sustainable development.” Why responsible business? According to Ms. Wiesen, in the first place, responsible business practice helps Vietnam to attract high-quality and sustainable investment which will contribute to both economic growth and the achievement of the Sustainable …
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Sweden willing to support Vietnam to embrace Industry 4.0: Ambassador
The Hanoitimes - The ambassador suggested Vietnam develop a sustainable supporting industry, by increasing the competitiveness of the products, and advancing the efficiency of the production and automation processes. To seize opportunities from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, Vietnam needs to develop a sustainable supporting industry, and in this regard, Sweden is much experienced and willing to assist Vietnam, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Ann Måwe has stated. Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Ann Måwe speaks at the workshop. Photo: Swedish Embassy Addressing a workshop on enhancing competitiveness of the supporting industries in the context of supply chain diversification, hosted by the Swedish Embassy on October 27, the ambassador said: “Vietnam is in a unique position to strengthen its authority as a leading alternative manufacturing choice. However, Vietnam is facing a bigger challenge – increasing the value as part of the global supply chain, rather than increasing merely the trade volume.” To make this happen, the ambassador suggested Vietnam develop a sustainable supporting industry, by increasing the competitiveness of the products, as well as advancing the efficiency of the production and automation processes. “In order to stay competitive and relevant, Vietnam needs to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in manufacturing.” A view of the workshop. Photo: Swedish Embassy Since Vietnam and Sweden established diplomatic relations in 1969, Swedish equipment and products of familiar names such as Volvo, ABB, Atlas Copco, Electrolux have been present in Vietnam, through early aid programs, and nowadays their direct investments. Sweden is considered one of the most sustainable and innovative countries in the world, ranking second in the Global Innovation Index. Swedish companies have a long history of providing world-class solutions to manufacturing and industrial applications. …
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Norway – a dream model for marine aquaculture
The Vietnam Fisheries Journal had an interview with Ms Anne Brønsten Osland, Head of the Aquaculture Licensing Section, Norwegian Department of Fisheries to get some insights into what Norway has done from the governance perspectives. How challenging was it for Norway to develop policies for development of marine aquaculture on industrial scale? And what are the solutions to those challenges? It has taken Norway almost 50 years to develop a mature and profitable industry. For the first three decades there were challenges with diseases, sudden loss of fish, firms going through bankruptcy, market challenges etc. Also, there were a lot of complaints from neighbors and locale fishermen about marine farms being established. Some of the important solutions include a general decision to stop using antibiotics, following focus on development of vaccines and regulation of daily routines that ensured a healthier industry, systematic fallowing of cites, reporting duties regarding production, disease outbreaks, escapes, use of chemicals etc. In addition, a transparent bureaucracy around the industry with notification of applications securing that everyone in the community has a right to access and put forward protests is another good approach. A coordinated handling of applications including the need of approval from food safety and animal welfare authorities, the coastal authorities, the pollution and conservation authorities and the interests of local fishermen (fishing ground etc.) A systematic national Registry over all aquaculture licenses was established quite early. Meanwhile, coastal zone planning by the small municipalities and extensive mapping of different interests has secured more knowledge-based placing of farms. Vietnam is planning to develop marine aquaculture industry; what do you think we can learn from Norway’s experiences? I think it is important to develop systems for competence building (level and capacity) that focus both on theoretical …
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