The lack of high-quality human resources in key and emerging economic sectors, for example the semiconductor industry, is among the top concerns of National Assembly (NA) deputies at the ongoing 6th sitting of the 15th NA.

Deputy Dieu Huynh Sang from southern Binh Phuoc province said that although Vietnam has paid more attention to the quality of human resources training it remains limited, which creates a shortage in personnel for major economic sectors and those serving the digital economy.

The structure of such training has not closely followed actual demand in the labor market, particularly in new economic sectors, he said.

Deputy Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga from central Quang Binh province pointed out that the lack of high-quality human resources has partly impacted productivity.

She cited a report from the government that indicates that average workplace productivity rose 4.36-4.69 per cent in the 2021-2023 period; lower than the 6.26 per cent recorded in the 2016-2018 period.

Some studies show there is a major gap between Vietnam’s workplace productivity and that of certain countries in the region and developing countries. Boosting workplace productivity plays a decisive role in the economy’s competitiveness, especially in the context of deeper international integration.

Therefore, NA deputies recommended that the government focus on improving this issue, enhancing the effectiveness and quality of human resources, and especially on training a high-quality workforce.

According to deputies, though the government has introduced many innovations in the field of vocational education and higher education, the proportion of trained workers with certificates and degrees remains low. There is a significant lack of creative scientists and leading experts in socio-economic sectors.

It has been forecast that Vietnam’s semiconductor industry needs between 50,000 and 100,000 workers by 2030.