In a bid to tackle workforce shortages and boost economic growth, Greece is actively pursuing stronger labor cooperation with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations. Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Athanasios Plevris, highlighted this objective during a meeting in Athens with representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Plevris underscored that establishing early bilateral labor agreements could secure the rights of both workers and employers while contributing to Greece’s initiatives to curb irregular migration, a priority increasingly emphasized with the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương expressed optimism about the progress in labor cooperation talks with Greece, following earlier discussions. She conveyed hope that a bilateral labor agreement between Vietnam and Greece would soon be finalized. Such an agreement, she noted, would not only open up more employment opportunities for Vietnamese workers but also strengthen the ties between the two countries.
The Greek minister responded positively to the proposal, instructing relevant authorities to continue negotiations with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. The goal is to expedite the signing of labor cooperation agreements, which are seen as pivotal in addressing labor shortages and enhancing economic growth in Greece.
Currently, approximately 1,700 Vietnamese workers hold valid residence permits in Greece, according to the country’s Ministry of Migration and Asylum. This figure underscores the existing presence of Vietnamese labor in Greece and the potential for expanded collaboration should the bilateral agreements come to fruition.