Original Vietnamese content is translated by LaoDongAI
Workers at Samsung Company (Thai Nguyen). Photo: Phong Linh
Workers at Samsung Company (Thai Nguyen). Photo: Phong Linh

Workers in the new growth model

Nhóm phóng viên báo lao động 20/01/2026 10:28 (GMT+7)

The 14th National Party Congress will create a turning point in innovating the development model and establishing a new growth model.

New growth model - an urgent requirement

Previously, Vietnam's growth model mainly depended on increasing investment capital, large labor, cheap labor, and expanding output. This model has also achieved a fairly good growth rate for a while but has revealed great limitations in the efficiency of resource use and sustainable competitiveness.

Economic experts say that the old growth shirt is increasingly cramped, especially when the advantage of cheap labor is gradually disappearing as Vietnam enters a deeper into the global value chain; the productivity growth rate is still modest, while capital and resources are not a sustainable support for the future.

The draft document of the 14th National Party Congress identifies the economic goals for the period 2026 - 2030: Strive to achieve an average gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the period 2026 - 2030 of 10%/year or more; GDP per capita by 2030 will reach about 8,500 USD... The contribution of total factor productivity (TFP) to economic growth will reach over 55%. The labor productivity growth rate reached about 8.5%/year... To achieve this target, it is necessary to innovate the development model and establish a new growth model. The draft document stated: Establish a new growth model with the goal of improving productivity, quality, efficiency, added value and competitiveness of the economy; taking science and technology (STI), innovation (STI) and digital transformation as the main driving force; creating new high-quality productive forces and production methods, focusing on the data economy, digital economy; promoting digital transformation, green transformation, energy transformation, restructuring and human resource quality. Identifying new growth drivers and focusing on science and technology to renew traditional growth drivers. Forming strong growth poles, key economic regions, urban areas, and new-generation economic zones on par with the region and the whole world".

The difference between the two growth models can be clearly seen in which the new growth model is based on 3 main ideas: "Shopping and innovation become the main driving force for growth. Relying on high labor productivity, quality human resources, digital transformation, and competitive market mechanisms. Expand the role of the dynamic and creative private sector along with the State economy in key areas.

The factor of employees with the requirements for labor productivity, the quality of human resources associated with digital transformation is still the central factor.

Need for a new workforce

Talking to Lao Dong, Mr. Bui Sy Loi - former Deputy Head of the National Assembly's Committee on Social Affairs (now the Social Committee) said that 2026 is the turning point of a new development stage. Therefore, the need to build a high-quality workforce becomes more urgent, especially in the context of digital transformation, green transformation and growth model innovation taking place widely globally.

Mr. Bui Sy Loi affirmed: In this model, high-quality human resources play a central role. This is a force capable of converting knowledge into specific products, services, and solutions, promoting e-commerce, increasing added value, and creating long-term competitive advantages. Not only receiving technology, high-quality human resources are also the creative subjects of new technology, new industry, and new management methods. The foundation of the new growth model is to increase the use of science, technology and technology to increase the value of each product. This is indispensable with the participation of employees, especially high-quality workers with high skills and the ability to apply technology to work. Therefore, the Trade Union organization and employees not only play the role of beneficiaries but also those who proactively participate in the implementation and implementation of the new growth model. The Trade Union organization is always considered a system to protect the legitimate rights of employees. However, in the new context, trade unions are not only a unit that protects rights, but also play a role as a driving force for change and creativity among employees.

One of the key factors of the new growth model is digital transformation. Trade unions can play a leading role in propagating, organizing training courses, and fostering digital skills for employees, using technology in production and management. In the process of implementing the new growth model, challenges may arise for employees, such as increasing labor productivity leading to increased workload, or restructuring businesses causing temporary unemployment. The Trade Union will be the proactive force to protect the rights of employees, especially in issues related to policy reform, income and social welfare. The trade union can also act as a consultant and supporter for employees when they encounter problems at work such as unsafe working conditions, violations of labor contracts or other regulations on protection of basic rights. In recent years, the Trade Union has organized creative labor emulation movements, helping employees contribute creative ideas, propose technical improvements and increase work efficiency. This is an important factor in promoting labor productivity in the new growth model. The contribution of employees to the new growth model is not only demonstrated in labor productivity but also in the ability to maintain social stability. When there are fair policies on wages, social benefits and a safe working environment, workers will feel more secure in their work, thereby improving the quality of work and contributing to the overall development of the economy. Therefore, in the context of transitioning to a new growth model, the role of trade unions and employees is very important, contributing to Vietnam's strong rise in the global economy.

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