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Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam (second from left) addressing the dialogue 
Making the opening remarks at the dialogue, Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung said, “We are living and working in the age when advances in science and technology are making powerful impacts on the whole political and socio-economic life. In human resources development, it can be easily seen that the application of technology and digitization contributes significantly to improving labor productivity, increasing economic output, creating new business models, new markets and employment opportunities for laborers. However, it also poses new challenges.”

Facing these opportunities and challenges, the minister stressed, the HLPD HRD is a forum for APEC delegates to share views, concerns, assessments of employment prospects and digitization, practical experiences in sustainable and comprehensive market development, enhancement of education and skills training, and apects of social security. As APEC economies are making efforts to ensure a comprehensive growth, focusing on increasing the labor force’s adaptability to meet technology development requirements, the dialogue reflects APEC’s commitment to strengthening and fostering regional cooperation in line with human resources development demands. Initiatives, experiences and good lessons learnt from the implementation of policies and practices of economies will contribute significantly to the overall efforts to further realize the direction of APEC economic leaders. At the same time, the dialogue will add more contents to current APEC initiatives and action plans to ensure sustainable and inclusive employment for all laborers.

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US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius at the dialogue 

Delivering a keynote speech at the opening session of the dialogue, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam outlined the advantages as well as challenges that Industry 4.0 brings to APEC economies, stressing that more opportunities are awaiting ahead. He hoped that speakers and delegates at the dialogue would thoroughly analyze and assess both opportunities and challenges which might be brought about by Industry 4.0. The delegates are expected to share experiences and make recommendations to take advantage of the digital age, while meeting the requirements of inclusive and equal development of labor, employment, and society. He stressed, “The success of the HLPD HRD will contribute significantly to the development of human resources development in the region, creating new impetus for the APEC community to develop dynamically and strengthening peace and prosperity in the region and the world.”

After the opening session, delegates discussed contents prepared, including a draft framework on human resources development, the labour market and social welfare for disadvantaged people, the engagement of stakeholders in human resources development, and more. The HLPD HRD is the first event among the eight ministerial meetings of the APEC Year 2017.

Reported by Huu Duong