Swiss tripartite mission visiting ANCL TECHCO

Productivity ecosystems for decent work

ILO welcomes Swiss mission, highlighting progress on productivity and decent work in Viet Nam

High-level delegation of Swiss Government, employers and workers reviews ILO-supported initiatives linking productivity growth with improved working conditions.

16 January 2026

HA NOI (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomed a high-level Swiss tripartite delegation to Viet Nam from 13 to 15 January 2025. Led by Ms Valérie Berset Bircher, Head of International Labour Affairs at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the mission brought together representatives of the Swiss Government, workers’ and employers organizations and the Embassy of Switzerland in Viet Nam.

The delegation had a meeting with the ILO Country Office for Viet Nam for an exchange on labour market trends and the implementation of labour policies. The discussion focused on key challenges and opportunities facing enterprises and workers, including productivity growth, skills development, occupational safety and health, and the transition towards more sustainable production models.

The exchange highlighted the importance of tripartite cooperation in shaping labour market responses that balance economic performance with workers’ rights and well-being, and underscored the importance of aligning productivity strategies with the principles of decent work.

Members of the Swiss tripartite delegation stand together for a group photo at the UN House after a meeting with the ILO Country Office for Viet Nam. — The Swiss tripartite delegation and the ILO Country Office for Viet Nam together after discussions on labour market issues and progress in implementing labour policies.

Seeing progress on the factory floor

During the mission, the delegation visited Tien Hung Joint Stock Company, a garment factory that has participated in the Better Work programme, a joint initiative of the ILO and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

After more than eight years of engagement with Better Work Viet Nam, the factory has made steady progress in improving working conditions, addressing labour issues, and working towards sustainable, long-term impacts for both the enterprise and its workers.

The delegation acknowledged the factory’s continuous improvements, including progress in compliance, people-centred operations and automation, and efforts towards green transformation.

Members of the delegation observe garment production at Tien Hung Joint Stock Company, where a worker operates a sewing machine while explaining the process — The delegation visits Tien Hung Joint Stock Company, a Better Work Viet Nam factory, recognising steady improvements in working conditions

The mission also travelled to Bac Ninh province to visit ANCL TECHCO, an enterprise participating in the ILO’s Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work project, supported by the SECO and the Government of Norway.

The delegation took part in a tripartite discussion at the factory, together with representatives from the Bac Ninh Department of Home Affairs, the Vietnam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI), and ILO.

Members of the delegation meet with management and staff of ANCL TECHCO in Bac Ninh province, seated around a conference table during a factory visit to discuss productivity improvements and work organization. — A tripartite discussion on productivity improvements and work organization.

At the factory, the delegation also observed production processes and discussed productivity improvements introduced through the project. These included a 55.7 per cent reduction in changeover time, a reduction in defect rates from 5 per cent to 0.2 per cent, and a 66 per cent reduction in material preparation time.

Importantly, these productivity gains have translated into shared benefits. Financial improvements estimated at over VND 1.1 billion are being redistributed to workers through regular bonus schemes, while further enhancements in occupational safety and health and work organization have strengthened income security and worker engagement. The visit illustrated how productivity interventions aligned with decent work principles can deliver outcomes for both enterprises and workers.

Members of the delegation walk through the factory floor during a site visit, accompanied by enterprise representatives, wearing safety caps while observing production areas. — The delegation tours the factory, observing production processes and workplace practices.

Strengthening partnership for sustainable impact

Across the three-day mission, the Swiss tripartite mission highlighted the value of integrated approaches that link productivity, rights at work and social dialogue. The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on progress achieved and reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing safe, healthy and inclusive workplaces.

Building on these exchanges, the ILO and its partners will continue to scale up people-centred models that support sustainable enterprises and advance decent work outcomes in Viet Nam.