VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MoLISA) is intent on generating 1.6 million jobs in 2013, reducing the unemployment rate in urban areas by around 4 percent.

The target was announced at MoLISA’s January 7 review conference in Hanoi. The Ministry also plans to recruit 1.9 million labourers and reduce the poverty rate by 2 percent.

Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung acknowledged the MoLISA’s results in ensuring social welfare in the midst of international and domestic economic difficulties. He highlighted successes in caring for people credited with revolutionary services and supporting residents affected by natural disasters and epidemics.

The PM directed the labour, invalids, and social affairs sector to address the system’s existing shortcomings, improve state management capacity, and implement the Party’s and State’s social welfare policies under strict supervision.

Despite being impacted by the global economic crisis of 2012, the sector still managed to achieve positive results in disseminating labour law information; implementing wage, social insurance, and unemployment insurance policies; as well as fostering harmonious labour relations, ensuring workplace safety, and regulating overseas workers.

According to a 2012 survey, businesses’ understandings of labour law increased by more than 10 percent compared to the previous year. Incentive policies for people credited with revolutionary services have been implemented timely.

The rate of disadvantaged children was reduced to below 5.8 percent and synchronized measures were taken to assist 62 poor districts and localities burdened with high poverty rates.

At the close of 2012, Vietnam’s poverty rate was estimated at 10 percent - down 1.76 percent on the previous year.

To engender further success in the future, many localities have recommended MoLISA finalise the legislation that will allow the National Target Programme on Employment and Vocational Training to proceed.

Source: VOV online