Deputy Undersecretary of Labor for International Affairs Thea Lee was in Vietnam Nov. 15-17 to continue a conversation on labor issues that had started in 2002.

The U.S.-Vietnam Labor Dialogue covered labor issues such as freedom of association, collective bargaining, child labor, digital upskilling and workplace safety and health, according to a Nov. 22 U.S. Department of Labor news release.

"Being in Vietnam gave us a meaningful opportunity to discuss the challenges our nations face and the strategies in place to protect workers’ rights and promote decent work," Lee said in the release. “By continuing our strong partnership on labor rights in Vietnam, we can continue to promote inclusive economic growth and resilient supply chains."

To assist re-engage all the stakeholders engaged in tackling the labor difficulties facing the country, Lee spoke with Vietnamese officials, labor thought leaders and representatives of the private sector during the tour. It was the first senior U.S. Department of Labor official's first trip to Vietnam since 2016, according to the release.

During the visit, Lee met with Vice Minister Lê van Thanh and the nation's Labor Minister Đào Ngọc Dung, the release reported.