(VOV) - More than 100 delegates from trade unions, employers federations, and international organisations such as the ILO and the World Bank gathered in Hanoi on Wednesday for the fourth Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Social Partners’ Forum. The event is themed “Social protection and employment – a key to inclusive growth”. Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thanh Hoa addressed the forum: “The global financial downturn and economic crisis are posing challenges for labour, employment, social protection and sustainable development in almost all countries across the world. Determination and stimulus programs by nations are not necessarily enough to solve the problem, proposing policy coordination, cooperation, and alliances at both regional and international levels. In addition to government efforts, the role of social partners is important in implementing initiatives to strengthen ASEM cooperation to cushion the impact of the crisis and work towards economic recovery and sustainable development.”

He quoted statistics as saying that since the 2008 global economic crisis, 40 million people have lost their jobs and the number of unemployed people will be likely to increase in 2013.

The forum was jointly held by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, and the European Commission.