The event was jointly organised by the Central Committee for Policy and Strategy, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, the Central Theoretical Council, Communist Review, and the Viet Nam Association of the Elderly.
Speaking at the conference, Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council stressed that Viet Nam is facing one of the fastest rates of population ageing in Asia. By the end of 2025, the country is expected to have around 16 million people aged 60 and over, more than 16% of the population, rising to 18 million by 2030.
This trend, he said, presents both challenges for social welfare and healthcare and opportunities to unlock domestic resources by leveraging the experience and intellectual capital of older generations.
Developing a silver economy, he noted, is not only about elderly care but also about building a humane, modern society that transforms demographic challenges into new drivers of growth. Policies must encourage autonomy, respect individual choice, and harness the knowledge and skills of older people.
Delegates emphasised the need to shift from a “response” mindset to proactive adaptation—seeing older people not only as beneficiaries but also as active contributors. Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan proposed establishing a national strategy for the silver economy, integrating it into socio-economic development plans, and setting standards for age-friendly products and services.
Speakers also highlighted the need to diversify funding sources, expand voluntary pension schemes, incentivise businesses serving elderly consumers, promote part-time and consultancy roles for retirees, and strengthen intergenerational initiatives in education, culture, and community development.
With population ageing accelerating, experts stressed the urgency of creating a comprehensive legal and policy framework to stimulate market development, mobilise human resources, and invest in digital and social infrastructure to support a sustainable silver economy in Viet Nam.
