The project aims to improve the quality of statistical data used to calculate the minimum living standard of the population.

Under the plan, starting in 2026, minimum living standard figures for residents will be published annually, with separate statistics for urban and rural areas.

The project also seeks to establish a methodology and data sources for calculating the minimum living standard of workers.

From 2028 onward, data on workers’ minimum living standards will also be released every year. Authorities will develop survey plans to support the compilation and publication of both population and worker minimum living standard data.

Review of household living standard survey

One key component of the project is reviewing and revising the household living standard survey methodology.

The goal is to ensure that data collected from the survey can effectively support the calculation of minimum living standards for both urban and rural populations.

In 2026, the Ministry of Finance will lead the effort, working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Health to assess the quality of information collected through the household living standard survey.

The review will evaluate the completeness and reliability of the information, including detailed household expenditure data such as spending on food, beverages and non-food items.

Authorities will also study the possibility of expanding the survey sample size of households that provide expenditure information. The objective is to ensure the dataset is sufficiently large and representative to calculate minimum living standards for urban and rural populations.

At the same time, the revised survey methodology will be implemented to collect data for compiling minimum living standard indicators.

Developing methods to calculate workers’ living standards

Another component of the project is developing a methodology and data sources for calculating the minimum living standard of workers.

This includes reviewing methods for valuing basic needs, building statistical models and information sources for calculating workers’ living standards, and designing a pilot survey on worker spending.

The pilot survey will gather more comprehensive information about workers’ expenditures in order to better reflect real-life conditions.

Pilot survey on workers’ spending

The project also calls for the implementation of pilot surveys on worker spending to support the compilation of minimum living standard statistics.

In addition, authorities will develop annual survey plans to gather data for calculating and publishing minimum living standards for both residents and workers.

To implement these tasks, the project proposes four main solutions.

First, authorities will study international methodologies and experiences in compiling and publishing minimum living standard statistics for both residents and workers, adapting them to Vietnam’s conditions.

Second, efforts will focus on improving the capacity of personnel responsible for collecting, compiling and publishing the data.

Third, the project will promote the use of information technology in building, publishing and sharing minimum living standard data.

Finally, the plan emphasizes ensuring adequate infrastructure, human resources and financial resources to implement the project.

Ngan Anh