The Government of Vietnam will carry out nationwide inspections in some garment factories focusing on working conditions, labour safety and other issues, the Vietnamese media has reported. Speaking at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City this week, deputy chief inspector from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Phan Dang Tho, said the inspections are aimed at improving working conditions in the country’s garment and textile sector. According to Tho, inspections would initially be carried out in 150 garment factories across 12 provinces. The survey would include salaries, working hours, sanitation, safety and other working conditions. The Ministry is aiming to mobilise greater involvement of trade unions as well as employers in the inspection process. There are around 6,000 apparel factories in Vietnam, which together employ about 2.5 million people, accounting for one-fourth of the nation’s total industrial workforce. The garment sector contributes over 13 per cent to the country’s total export revenue and more than 10 per cent to the gross domestic product.
