5 sectors in Ho Chi Minh City face severe labor shortages

Ho Chi Minh City's job market is experiencing a significant demand for labor, particularly in five key sectors, yet faces a severe shortage of qualified workers. In July alone, businesses posted 23,094 job openings, while only 17,566 individuals registered as job seekers, according to information from the Ho Chi Minh City Employment Service Center.

The business, sales, and e-commerce sector led the demand, with 4,552 vacancies. However, this sector also faced the most acute labor shortage, attracting only 1,965 job seekers. Similarly, the marketing, communication, and advertising field requires over a thousand workers, but only 120 individuals are seeking employment in this area.

In contrast, the garment, textile, and footwear industries reported a near-balance, with 3,754 positions available and 3,500 job seekers. The wood processing and furniture sector also showed equilibrium, needing 2,602 workers and having 2,509 applicants. The human resources, administration, legal, and office support sector had 1,200 vacancies, with a slightly higher number of 1,594 job seekers.

To address these imbalances, the employment service center has been actively connecting employers and job seekers. Throughout the first seven months of 2026, the center organized 122 job exchange sessions, provided career counseling to over 450,000 individuals, and facilitated job placements for 8,186 people. Additionally, the center offered skills training and updated legal policies for businesses, while also advising nearly 1,400 individuals interested in overseas employment.