Vietnam Care Economy Forum 2026: Developing care economy for sustainable growth, job creation, and gender equality in Vietnam
WVR - The Vietnam Care Economy Forum 2026 under the theme “Business model innovation – Promoting sustainable business development” was co-organised by the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and UN Women in Ha Noi, on January 26, 2026.
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| The Vietnam Care Economy Forum 2026 under the theme “Business model innovation – Promoting sustainable business development”. (Source: UN Women) |
Gathering over 120 delegates from regulatory agencies, international organizations, professional associations, and the business community within and outside the care sector, the forum aimed to raise awareness of the role and potential of the care economy amid increasing demand.
According to figures from the Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, by 2038 more than 20% of Viet Nam’s population is expected to be aged over 60, and demand for long-term care, healthcare, childcare, and support for vulnerable groups will continue to increase sharply.
Family-friendly policies and business models are recognized as a value-creating strategy: helping businesses retain employees, enhance engagement and productivity, while reducing recruitment and replacement costs. International studies indicate that every 1 USD invested in care can generate up to 4 USD in economic benefits through increased productivity, job creation, and improved social welfare (UN Women, 2023).
In Vietnam, women still undertake the majority of unpaid care work; an average of around three hours per day, nearly twice as much as men, according to the World Bank’s 2022 survey on time use in Vietnam. This gap not only creates a “double burden” for women, but also reduces labour productivity, limits opportunities to participate in the labour market, and affects the quality of the workforce in the long term.
The Vietnam Care Economy Forum 2026 focuses on transitioning from a family-based care model to a professional, sustainable care ecosystem with strong business sector participation.
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| Vice chairwoman in charge of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council, VCCI Mai Thi Dieu Huyen. (Source: UN Women) |
In her opening remarks, Vice chairwoman in charge of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council, VCCI Mai Thi Dieu Huyen emphasized that the care economy is emerging as an economic sector with significant growth potential, contributing to sustainable job creation, enhancing labor productivity, promoting gender equality, and boosting business competitiveness. Promoting the care economy and expanding family-friendly business models will enhance women's economic empowerment, giving them a stronger voice in all areas of life.
Meanwhile, UN Women Vietnam Representative Caroline T. Nyamayemombe highlighted the role of the business sector in providing accessible, quality care services while ensuring working conditions and welfare for the care workforce, most of whom are women.
“Investing in the care economy is investing in human resources, productivity, and the long-term development of the economy,” said Caroline T. Nyamayemombe.
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| UN Women Vietnam Representative Caroline T. Nyamayemombe emphasizes the role of the business sector in providing care services. (Source: UN Women) |
At the forum, speakers from the Population Department under the Ministry of Health, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the International Labour Organization (ILO), provided an overall picture of population ageing and the development of health and long-term care systems. They also highlighted the potential for the care economy in Viet Nam, as well as opportunities for sustainable job creation and business development in this field.
Several businesses joined the discussions, sharing practical business models, innovation initiatives, and lessons learned in providing quality care services taking people as the centre and a view to sustainable development.
The Vietnam Care Economy Forum 2026 is expected to drive stronger business participation in this promising sector, making the care economy a new pillar of green, inclusive, and gender-equal growth in Vietnam.
