The government of Vietnam always considers social security as its top mission, and an important element for sustainable development of society, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said.
The Deputy PM affirmed at the 26th meeting of the ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) board opened in Hanoi on Sept. 16 that the passing of Laws on Social Insurance and Health Insurance and the application of the unemployment policy in 2009 were clear evidence of the government’s commitment to develop a robust social insurance system.
The workshop, hosted by Vietnam Social Insurance, drew nearly 100 delegates, including 60 foreign representatives coming from 21 official member organisations of eight ASEAN countries, two observer countries of Cambodia and Myanmar and visitors from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Republic of Korea’s Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL) and German State Pensions (BfA).
ASSA, which represents health insurance and social insurance agencies in ASEAN countries, plays an important role in implementing social security as a pillar of the ASEAN community, the deputy PM said.
Restoring the economy and developing and ensuring social security in a sustainable way are the top priorities of ASEAN countries, Deputy PM Hung said.
To ensure social security for all the people in the region, ASSA members need to boost cooperation, exchange experiences and work out measures to overcome challenges posed by unemployment and an ageing population, and also provide better health services.
A workshop on reclaiming outstanding social insurance debts with the aim of sharing experiences on the matter was held within the framework of the meeting.
On the occasion, Vietnam Social Insurance’s General Director Le Bach Hong took over ASSA President for the 2010-2011 period.
Vietnam Social Insurance become a member of ASSA in 1998 and had first undertaken ASSA’s presidency during the 2002-2003 term.
The 27th ASSA meeting will be held in Singapore next March.
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