14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM
Log in
Econ

Massive production relocation from China to Vietnam spikes surge in labor demand

China was the largest source of greenfield Investment in Vietnam in Q1/2019 with US$732.2 million, accounting for 18.9% of the total.

As Sino-US trade tensions have continued to weigh, multinational companies have been shifting their production facilities from China to Vietnam and recruiting a large number of employees, leading to a surge in manpower demand and even temporal shortage, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces, according to Navigos Group, the operator of Vietnam’s biggest job portal Vietnamworks. 

Production shift from China to Vietnam has been evident as trade friction between the world's two largest economies have shown no signs of easing. Among 42 countries and territories that had fresh projects in Vietnam in the first quarter this year, China was the largest investor with US$732.2 million, accounting for 18.9% of the total, according to Vietnam's General Statistics Office (GSO). 
 
Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo.
Challenges of recruiting and retaining talents in manufacturing

In its latest report on recruitment demands for senior management level in Vietnam in the first quarter of 2019, Navigos said the trend has been growing strongly, especially in “supporting industries and wood furniture industry.”

Additionally, “there are projects that launch new factories in Vietnam, which are expected to greatly increase the number of employees by double, or triple during the year, especially in the field of electronics, high-end components manufacturing,” stated the report. 

The vacancies are mainly in Supervisory and Management positions, and the recruitment demand is expected to increase steadily until the companies operate stably. Besides, Chinese businesses also require candidates who must speak Chinese.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing and processing continued to attract substantial attention out of the 18 fields and sectors, reaching an investment capital of US$8.4 billion or 77.7% of total FDI approvals. 

This resulted in a sudden rise in demands for recruitment in the sector, mainly due to the need for enterprises to expand their production or restructure, leading to a challenge for employers in attracting and retaining talents, causing candidates movement within companies in the same industry, stated Navigos. 

In Ho Chi Minh City, compared to other industries, manufacturing and industry is the sector that is reportedly paying the highest salary for many middle and high-level positions. The experienced engineer position can be paid a monthly salary of US$4,000 while in Management level has a position that pays up to US$8,000.

Other sectors pushing up recruitment demand

In addition to manufacturing and processing, other sectors including retail, real estate, FMCG and agriculture have also pushed up the recruitment demand.

In the first quarter, Navigos noted the trend of franchising of international and domestic companies, especially in the sector of Cosmetics, Fashion, Food and Beverage (F&B). This trend leads to a high demand for recruiting positions from mid-senior to senior management.

Meanwhile, there are several multinational enterprises launching for the first time in Vietnam, notably in the field of FMCG, including food, beverage, liquor, and cosmetics. 

These foreign companies’ model that directly manages to develop business, increase brand image, implement promotion programs, among others, leads to a sharp increase in recruitment demand those positions related to the Sales and Marketing department from staff level to senior management position. In particular, skills related to digital marketing and e-commerce are prioritized as a result of the development of 4.0 era. 

In the real estate sector, there appear to be mergers and acquisitions deals in the real estate sector which took place from the end of 2018 and were completed in 2019 but not yet widely communicated. This led to the need to recruit C-level positions. 

With regard to the agricultural sector, many companies have been implementing 3F agricultural models (feed – farm – food). Besides, companies invest large amounts of capital into modern production lines, applying European standard technologies. 

The trend of developing this new agricultural model has led to more changes in the recruitment requirements of enterprises. Two areas with a high demand for jobs are farming and veterinary. Most businesses need to recruit many positions from the middle level and require candidates to have in-depth technical knowledge.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Gov’t weighs pilot hiring of CEOs for state firms

Gov’t weighs pilot hiring of CEOs for state firms

By 2030, all state economic groups and corporations are expected to adopt principles in line with OECD standards, which are regarded as leading international benchmarks for corporate governance.

Real estate firms sell bonds worth $402 million in May

Real estate firms sell bonds worth $402 million in May

Real estate companies have raised $862 million from bond issuance in April and May, thanks to an improved business environment and better access to funding.

Vietnam unveils new strategies to boost domestic market, aid businesses

Vietnam unveils new strategies to boost domestic market, aid businesses

As global trade uncertainties grow, Vietnam sees the domestic market not only as a key consumption driver but also a “lifeline” for businesses hit by protectionist export barriers.

Vietnam eyes US tilapia export boost as global supply falls

Vietnam eyes US tilapia export boost as global supply falls

Vietnam aims to increase tilapia output to 400,000 tons by 2030, making it the second-largest freshwater export species after pangasius.

Vietnam’s enterprises must act fast to weather US tariff shock: Experts 

Vietnam’s enterprises must act fast to weather US tariff shock: Experts 

Many of the key Vietnamese exports, such as wood products, electronics, and textiles, that are not on the US exclusion list could face steep tariffs.

Vietnam's mobile money pilot program extended to end of 2025

Vietnam's mobile money pilot program extended to end of 2025

Mobile Money, launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology, differs from e-wallets by linking users’ payment accounts directly to mobile phone numbers.

Vietnam taps innovation, global ties to elevate national brand

Vietnam taps innovation, global ties to elevate national brand

Vietnam is intensifying efforts to enhance its national brand, leveraging innovation, global partnerships, and strategic policies to bolster its global competitiveness and market presence.

Vietnam extends US$3.9 billion loan package for agro-forestry-fisheries

Vietnam extends US$3.9 billion loan package for agro-forestry-fisheries

The government has expanded the scope and scale of the credit program for the sectors which brought about US$62.4 billion worth of exports in 2024.