DAG is an institution established by the Government, including up to 15 members who are Vietnamese associations, NGOs and non-profit organizations, representing legitimate interests in Vietnam related to trade and sustainable development. DAG has the function of gathering, presenting views, giving recommendations, consulting and giving suggestions on the implementation of the Trade and Sustainable Development Chapter of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The role of DAG in the EVFTA is the main topic of the Talk

Vietnam Elevator Association (VNEA) is the 7th member of DAG Vietnam according to Decision No. 415 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade dated March 23, 2022 (Vietnam Elevator Association became a member of the Domestic Advisory Group (Vietnam Elevator Association) DAG Vietnam in EVFTA – Elevator Magazine (tapchithangmay.vn)). VNEA belongs to the economic subgroup, representing the interests of employers and professional organizations.

EVFTA was signed in Hanoi on June 30, 2019. The Agreement was approved by the National Assembly of Vietnam on June 8, 2020 and took effect from August 1, 2020.

DAG Vietnam will focus on discussing the content of labor commitments in Chapter 13 of the EVFTA (Trade & Sustainable Development)(*).

The core content of the labor commitment in the EVFTA (Article 13.4) is the implementation of four basic labor standards outlined in the 1998 Declaration of the International Labor Organization (ILO):

– Freedom of association and collective bargaining.

– End all forms of forced or compulsory labor.

– Effectively eliminate child labor.

– End discrimination in employment and occupation.

The ILO General Conference in 2022 added an occupational safety standard that is also considered a basic standard (regarding Convention 155, 187 – Vietnam has ratified both conventions).

Vietnam has seriously and actively implemented policies related to labor commitments under the ILO. On May 27, 2021, the Prime Minister issued a Decision approving the Program to prevent and reduce child labor illegally in the period 2021-2025, with a vision to 2030.

We have also issued many policies and guidelines on the prevention of forced labor; building harmonious, stable and progressive labor relations; policies to support employees during the Covid-19 pandemic, …

Vietnamese enterprises have actively participated in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives through the implementation of the Code of Conduct; participate in a program that promotes compliance with labor regulations, such as the Better Work Program.

Mr. Nguyen Huy Tien, Vice President and General Secretary of Vietnam Elevator Association commented at the Seminar

VNEA Secretary General Nguyen Huy Tien said that businesses and associations need to continue to perform well the law on labor; learn the specific regulations of the importing country and partner related to labor for timely and appropriate adjustment.

For the elevator industry, which uses a lot of labor, it is oriented to export elevator products and auxiliary equipment. At that time, VNEA’s participation in DAG will be an opportunity for elevator enterprises to participate in an international economic forum, thereby learning useful experiences related to the policies of the markets difficult, thereby helping businesses in the industry develop sustainably./.

Delegates attending the Seminar take souvenir photos

Note (*):

Article 13.15.4 of the EVFTA Agreement (Chapter 13 – Trade & Sustainable Development): “Each party must establish one or more new domestic advisory groups or consult with existing domestic advisory groups on sustainable development with an advisory mandate on the implementation of this Chapter. Each Party shall decide on domestic procedures for establishing national advisory groups or groups and appointing members to these advisory groups. This national advisory group or groups consists of independent representative organizations, ensuring balanced representation across economic, social and environmental sectors, including workers’ and employers’ organizations, workers, businesses and environmental organizations. Each national advisory group may, on its own initiative, submit views or recommendations to that Party regarding the implementation of this Chapter.

Article 13.15.5 EVFTA Agreement (Chapter 13 – Trade & Sustainable Development): “Members of each Party’s domestic advisory groups or groups will meet at a common forum to conduct dialogue on aspects of sustainable development in the trade relationship between the two Parties”.