At the ceremony, Manh congratulated Lee on having successfully finished his term in Vietnam; he also highly appreciates the massive and meaningful support of the Director and the ILO Viet Nam towards the VSS, especially in helping to improve the operational capacity of the staff of the Vietnam's Social Security Industry in the past time.

According to Manh, since Vietnam joined ILO, especially in the past 5 years thanks to the multi-dimensional support from the ILO, VSS has made great strides, from policy criticism and assessment of management of social and health insurance funds, consulting skills to expand policy coverage, etc. to communication skills and customer care service of VSS, which have all been improved and innovated for catching up with current trends.

Illustrative image (internet)

Manh emphasized, as the agency implementing important social security policies of the country, over the years, the position and role of the social insurance industry in Vietnam as well as internationally have been increasingly recognized. “To achieve this success, it is impossible not to mention the great contribution and help from the ILO in Vietnam and Mr. Lee personally." - Manh affirmed.

Lee said, although the time living and working in Vietnam as well as with VSS is not too long, but thanks to it, he could be able see the development efforts of the country, the people and the VSS. “Vietnam is now a rising star in the region, and VSS has achieved outstanding results that are highly recognized not only nationally but also internationally.” said Lee.

Manh hopes that in the new position, Lee will continue to cooperate and support Vietnam and the VSS on the journey of sustainable development to continue to earn new achievements and milestones, contributing to the care, protection and development of people, for social progress and justice.

Sharing the honor of representing the ILO in Vietnam as well as directly contributing to building a strong and durable relationship with VSS, Lee affirmed his positive affection towards the country and people of Vietnam would never fade away.

Placing faith in and expecting that in the coming time VSS will continue to have great milestones in ensuring social security for people, Lee affirmed that regardless of position, he would continue to accompany the VSS; also, he hoped that his successor, who holds the position of executive director of the ILO in Vietnam, will promote the relationship between the two sides to a new level and accompany VSS towards the goal of universal social insurance coverage. Also on this occasion, the VSS awarded the Medal of "For the cause of Vietnam Social Security" to the ILO Viet Nam Director.