Vietnamese tourism prepares for AEC integration

The ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on tourism professionals also so known as MRA- TP was signed between 2009 and will take effect later this year. Under the MRA-TP, Vietnam tourism industry will witness a more dynamic labour market.

"The MRA TP will help facilitate the migration of skilled labour within the region. Therefore skilled people from countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore will be able to apply for top positions in Vietnam, creating a more competitive labour market. Low-skilled domestic workers might lose out in Vietnam." - Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

"The average language levels and wages in other ASEAN countries are higher than Vietnam.  Domestic enterprises can employer higher skilled people and negotiate over wages due surplus labour supply." - Le Hong Hai, General Director, Dan Chu Tourism JSC.

Improving human resource training is considered one of the key solutions to enhance the quality of people working in the tourism sector in Vietnam.

"Now we switch to an integrated way of teaching. We teach theory and practice at the same time. Teachers need to improve their language skill. Schools need to improve their facilities. We need to teach in English." - Ngo Trung Ha, Deputy Head, Training Department, Hanoi Tourism College

Currently, Vietnam tourism ministry has eight sets of national professional standards. The ministry is working towards meeting ASEAN standards as the agreed level.

"We’re preparing an online registration system for people and enterprises in the tourism sector. We are about to establish a regional secretariat to implement the MRA- TP in Vietnam." - Tran Phu Cuong, Deputy Director, International Co-operation – Tourism Department.

Human resources are the core element for the development of the tourism sector in Vietnam.