This will be the main issue that will be discussed among practicing professional engineers in Hanoi. For better integration, this problem should soon be resolved so that Vietnam doesn't lose the advantage of having high-quality human resources.
According to Vietnam's Engineering consultant association, the country has nearly 35,000 certified individuals that practice in the fields of design and construction. But there are only 196 people who meet ASEAN's standards. In Thailand, there are 7,000 individuals that are qualified. This is said to be a waste of Vietnam's high-quality human resources, during the integration period.
Nguyen Nam Trung, Architect qualified for ASEAN construction standards said: I registered and became an engineer that meets ASEAN standards in 2008. I found that best part about it is that I can exchange experiences and expand opportunities to work as well as collaborate in the region.
Hoang Tho Vinh, Chairman, Vietnam's Supervisory Commission on services, construction and engineering said: This is almost a passport to let Vietnamese engineers provide technical services in these countries. It will be more favorable than in the past when we did not have these provisions.
10 years after the signing of the agreements on mutual recognition of services in Architecture and Engineering, the Federation of ASEAN Consulting Engineers said that the agreement has not yet been activated within the ASEAN countries, and is not effectively in operation. For example, in Vietnam, the number of engineers that meet ASEAN standards are too low due to the fact that many haven't met the standards.
Widhoon Chiamchitrong, Vice President, Federation of ASEAN Consulting Engineers said: We hope that the members of the Federation of ASEAN Consulting Engineers will soon sit together to agree on the remaining issues and problems in providing technical services in each country. In addition, we hope that the government of the ASEAN countries will soon sign mutual recognition agreements on technical advisory services, so individuals in the profession can have more opportunities.
Reports from the International Monetary Fund show that ASEAN economic regions with a population of over 600 million people, will have economic growth of around 5.1% in 2017. The private construction sector will contribute 30% in the growth. It is possible that narrowing the gap in quantity and quality and human resources practitioners in the field of architecture, construction and engineering services is an opportunity for Vietnam to truly integrate.
