Vietnam’s economic growth has been fueled by a strong focus on productivity as the country transitions to a greener, more digital economy. This is reflected in the ambitious National Productivity Master Plan Based on Science, Technologies, and Innovation for 2021–30, the Socio-economic Development Strategy for 2021–30, and National Program on Labor Productivity Improvement by 2030, with targets of raising annual average labor productivity growth by 6.5%. To achieve the goals of these initiatives, the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ) organized the Vietnam National Productivity Forum, 12–13 December 2023 as a Technical Expert Service project.

The forum addressed challenges in unlocking the potential for productivity growth in the nation. It was attended by over 700 participants, including policymakers, productivity experts, academic researchers, representatives of international organizations, individuals, and businesses. Four APO resource persons, one from Malaysia and the UK, and two from Singapore facilitated four thematic seminars and a plenary session at the forum, sharing their experiences and insights on significant measures for productivity improvement in Vietnam.

The forum focused on a range of topics, from steps to improve the quality of productivity policies and regulations to insights into scientific, technological, and innovative solutions for productivity enhancement. It also covered human resources development for productivity promotion, fostering productivity in localities, accelerating Vietnam’s development through productivity drivers, and good regulatory practices (GRP) for administrative reform. The forum will augment capacity and promote best practices, enabling practitioners in Vietnam to adopt new, next-generation technologies. It is also expected to create a conducive regulatory environment and drive innovation.