Notice No. 133/TB-VPCP on the Silver Economy marks a strategic shift in Vietnam: moving from the pressure of ageing to a new growth engine. With international expertise and deep local roots, HelpAge International in Vietnam (HAIV) is committed to partnering with the Government to create a person-centred ecosystem in which older persons drive development.
The Conference on the Global Development of the Silver Economy and Vietnam’s Policy Adaptation, held at the Government Headquarters on March 11, 2026, was far more than a high-level meeting. For HelpAge International in Vietnam (HAIV), it represented a powerful manifesto for a landmark shift in the Government’s strategic mindset: moving from viewing ageing as a “burden” to recognising it as a “new development space” and a “sustainable growth engine”. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that population ageing is no longer a challenge or a risk but rather a precious resource for society. By placing older persons at the centre – as both the subjects and the objects of development –Vietnam has opened a new chapter for the care economy and adaptive services.
This vision is being translated into reality through decisive and concrete institutional commitments. The Government has directed the Ministry of Health to urgently draft the revised Law on Older Persons for submission to the National Assembly in 2028, while charging the Ministry of Finance with finalising the Silver Economy Development Strategy toward 2045 by the second quarter of 2026. These timelines demonstrate that Vietnam is entering an accelerated phase to build a synchronised and comprehensive policy framework. Through “five focus areas of action” – ranging from innovative thinking to developing proactive healthcare ecosystems and encouraging diverse services for older people – Vietnam is striving to transition from a passive protection model to an enabling development model. This is the golden moment for integrated models, such as adaptive housing and specialised services, to be extensively researched and implemented.
In this emerging ecosystem, the role of specialised organisations like HAIV becomes more essential than ever. One of the highlights in the Prime Minister’s conclusions was the requirement to urgently implement the scheme to replicate the Intergenerational Self-Help Club (ISHC) model through 2035 under Decision No. 1648/QD-TTg. This is a model that HAIV, alongside local partners – most notably the Vietnam Association of the Elderly (VAE) – has jointly developed and painstakingly nurtured, proving to be highly effective in community-based care and empowering older persons. The Government’s priority on social service infrastructure and service networks for the elderly proves that the international experience and local practices we have accumulated over 30 years are perfectly aligned with the national strategy.
We believe that to build a true “market-driven capital” environment, it is essential to create an attractive investment landscape where private capital is unlocked through clear market signals and sustainable profit potential. In this process, the role of prestigious international organisations specialising in ageing and development, such as HAIV, is absolutely pivotal. As a leading international NGO, HAIV serves as a vital bridge, connecting international quality governance standards and advanced assistive technologies with Vietnam’s unique family-oriented cultural characteristics. We are committed to supporting businesses and partners in developing service models that are both modern and scientific while respecting traditional values of filial piety. This ensures that the development of the silver economy is synonymous with ethics and social responsibility, perfectly aligning with the psychology and needs of Vietnamese older persons.
Beyond stimulating the private sector, HAIV recognises immense opportunities for development projects to bridge gaps and ensure no one is left behind. Potential project opportunities range from enhancing digital literacy for older persons and building community-based long-term care models to supporting livelihoods and climate change adaptation for the elderly in vulnerable regions. With our extensive global partner network, HAIV serves as a strategic connector, striving to bring in meaningful and high-impact development projects. We do not only bring financial resources from international donors but also directly transfer proven technical expertise and practical experience, ensuring that development solutions in Vietnam meet international standards while remaining locally sustainable. The journey of developing the silver economy is an opportunity for us to redefine the value of old age in this new era. With our global expertise, HAIV is committed to partnering with the Government and the community to turn strategic visions into positive changes in every home, striving for a Vietnam where everyone can age with dignity, health, and happiness.
