On 21 October 2020, the Swedish ambassador H.E. Ann Måwe released the latest work in advancing responsible business practice in Vietnam that said:
This morning, I was pleased to join Vice Minister of Justice Nguyen Khanh Ngoc, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen, IKEA Purchasing & Logistics Area Director for South East Asia Mr. Kim Lindell and many others in a national consultation workshop to discuss the framework provided in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP).
The consultative workshop was considered a first important step towards developing a national action plan for responsible business practices in the country. Sweden supports the promotion of sustainable business in Vietnam through our Asia Programme with UNDP on Business and Human Rights and we are very proud to be partner in this important work. Within the same programme national action plans are also being developed in Thailand and Malaysia. Japan is the first country in Asia to have finalized a National Plan on Business and Human Rights.
The workshop was organised to receive feedback and insights from key stakeholders such as representatives of the government, businesses, business associations, development partners, NGOs, research and academic institutions.
Vietnam is in the world spotlight for its good achievements in dealing with Corona pandemic. New foreign investors and traders are increasingly looking at Vietnam for their investment. Corporate social responsibility is also part of Vietnam obligation towards the implementation of the EVFTA. With this obligation comes a golden opportunity for Vietnam to decide which kind of foreign investment the country wants to attract for the years to come.
Responsible business practice is essential to ensuring economic growth. In our Swedish experiences, economic growth does not come at the cost of social or environmental development. Responsible business should not be seen as another layer of regulation or as an administrative burden, but rather, an essential foundation for ensuring Viet Nam’s continued economic, social and environmental development – vital to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.Sweden has a long tradition of supporting Vietnam in the area of social dialogue in the work place and sustainability. We stand ready to continuing the partnership with Vietnam and share our experience in this regard.
For inspiration, please take a look at the Swedish Action Plan for Business and Human Rights here
