Vietnam's Labour Movement Undergoes Major Expansion as Special Economic Zones Prepare for APEC Spotlight
Published on 07/31/2026 at 05:04 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
The push to organise workers and build out industrial infrastructure is accelerating across Vietnam, with provincial unions, government planners and international observers all focused on what comes next for the country's fast-growing economic corridors.
Island Economy Gears Up for 2027 Summit
On the southern island of Phu Quoc, officials are betting that stronger labour protections will help carry the destination through a pivotal moment. The provincial trade union federation of An Giang and the party committee of the Phu Quoc special economic zone signed a cooperation agreement on 29 July covering the period from 2026 through 2030. The pact aims to expand union membership systematically while shoring up worker safeguards.
The island's economic weight is considerable — Phu Quoc generates more than 30 percent of the province's budget revenues. Much of the current preparation work centres on the APEC High-Level Week scheduled for 2027, with the union federation pledging proactive efforts to foster stable labour relations ahead of the international gathering.
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A day after the agreement was signed, the zone's people's council reviewed recent performance. The numbers were largely positive: more than 5.7 million tourists visited, and budget revenues exceeded 1,860 billion VND, with most targets met. Yet unresolved infrastructure concerns linger, including traffic congestion, resettlement procedures and outstanding compensation claims.
Northern Hub Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans
Further north, the government is laying groundwork for substantial new growth zones. Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau announced on 30 July the creation of two zones in Hai Phong: a special economic zone spanning roughly 5,300 hectares and a southern coastal economic zone covering more than 20,000 hectares.
Hai Phong has already positioned itself as a testing ground for liberalisation. The city is home to the country's first free trade zone, operating with 41 approved pilot mechanisms. Its economic performance in the first half of 2026 was striking — GDP growth hit 11.33 percent, while foreign direct investment inflows surpassed 3.1 billion USD.
Factory Floors Show Record Organising Gains
In Ninh Binh province, the union movement is reporting remarkable momentum. The Chau Son industrial park union committee announced on 29 July that 35 new grassroots unions had been established in the first six months of the year, bringing in over 25,000 new members — figures that substantially exceeded initial targets. Average monthly wages in the area stand between 6 and 7 million VND.
The following day brought the creation of ten additional grassroots unions across the Thanh Liem and Chau Son industrial parks, with electronics and science-based companies among those newly organised. Collective bargaining coverage is already widespread: 88 percent of businesses in the region have signed collective labour agreements. In one case, negotiations led a company to increase meal allowances for its workforce.
Housing and Security Emerge as Key Priorities
With industrial parks competing for workers, the construction ministry is developing new preferential policies to encourage investment in worker housing. The framework draws on the 2023 Housing Law and a resolution adopted in May 2025, with rental accommodation located inside or adjacent to industrial zones taking priority.
International labour organisations are meanwhile flagging governance concerns. UNI Global has cautioned investors about the expiry of framework agreements at a major business process outsourcing provider — the arrangement lapsed in May 2026 with no renewal confirmed.
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Security risks also loom over the region's economic zones. A UNODC report estimates that organised crime cost Southeast Asia up to 114 billion USD in 2025, with cyber fraud and cryptocurrencies identified as primary drivers. For administrators running special economic zones, that adds pressure to strengthen not only social standards but also security protocols as the region prepares for greater international visibility.
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