In a bid to tackle workforce shortages and promote economic growth, Greece is actively pursuing strengthened labor cooperation with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations. Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Athanasios Plevris, highlighted this initiative during a recent meeting in Athens with representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Plevris underscored the importance of establishing early bilateral labor agreements to protect the rights of both workers and employers. He also pointed out that these agreements are crucial for Greece’s strategy to curb irregular migration, especially following the adoption of the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương, participating in these discussions, noted that talks on labor cooperation have seen significant progress since previous engagements with the Greek minister. She expressed optimism that a formal bilateral labor agreement between Vietnam and Greece would soon be finalized. Such an agreement, she suggested, would not only open up more employment opportunities for Vietnamese workers but also deepen bilateral ties between the two countries.
The Greek minister responded positively to Ambassador Hương’s remarks, instructing relevant authorities to continue their negotiations with Vietnam and the other ASEAN countries. The goal is to expedite the finalization of labor cooperation agreements, which are seen as mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
Currently, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum reports that approximately 1,700 Vietnamese workers have valid residence permits in Greece. This figure underscores the existing ties between the two nations and the potential for further collaboration in the labor sector. By fostering these agreements, Greece aims to address its domestic labor needs while providing new opportunities for workers from Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.