The ILO's 'New drivers of productivity growth in Viet Nam' examines the shift from moving workers between sectors to upgrading capabilities. Movement from agriculture to non-agricultural industries previously drove productivity, but demographic and labour-supply changes are reducing the remaining potential of that route.
The research identifies workforce quality, innovation, skills, technology and higher-value production as growth priorities. Enterprise and sector talent development must connect with labor-market institutions and policies.
The study stresses that productivity gains should improve labour incomes broadly and create quality jobs. Assessing transformation therefore requires attention to efficiency, capabilities and shared gains.