In this country with high economic growth, inhabited by more than 98 million people, the cities attract many rural dwellers looking for work opportunities and better living conditions. But, the urban environment often implies many challenges which the most vulnerable are not qualified to face. About ten million Vietnamese, artisans, traders, street vendors, live in very insecure conditions, and support an informal labour sector estimated to represent 20% of the GDP.

In order to support this highly vulnerable population, the IECD’s team and its local partners are implementing two programmes:

• The Medium and Small Enterprises Support programme. The threshold of 100,000 people screened was exceeded in 2017. At the same time, a White Book was published about street vendors in Ho Chi Minh City. It presents the actions implemented by civil society in their favour, the recommendations of experts for a better understanding of their constraints in a more inclusive urban development plan and the solutions suggested by street vendors themselves.
• The Vocational Training and Professional Integration programme with a focus on the electrics, automotive maintenance, and bakery and pastry-making sectors.

Moreover, the Association of Southeast Asian Social Enterprises for Training in Hospitality & Catering (ASSET-H&C) network brings together 13 vocational training centres across Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. ASSET-H&C members can broaden their perspectives, share expertise, strengthen one another, and receive technical assistance through the network. Since 2016, the network has improved capacity for over 200 staff members and raised awareness among 1,000 people about sustainable tourism through events.