Parliamentary State Secretary of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Patrick Dahlemann (left) presents a souvenir to Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vũ Quang Minh. — VNA/VNS Photo Phương Hoa

BERLIN — The Vietnamese Embassy in Germany held a seminar on Wednesday to explore measures driving cooperation in workforce recruitment and vocational training amid labour shortages there, with a particular focus on Mecklenburg-West Pomerania state.

Ambassador Vũ Quang Minh underscored the urgent need for skilled workers in Germany, a crisis compounded by demographic shifts such as an aging population.

To strengthen collaboration, Minh proposed expanding vocational training courses that offer qualifications recognised by both Vietnam and Germany. He urged Germany to collaborate with Vietnamese associations in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, particularly in Rostock city, to support newly arriving workers.

Thanh Long, founder and CEO of GEDU International GmbH, confirmed his company’s commitment to recruiting more workers for critical sectors with labour shortages in Germany, namely healthcare and medical services, hospitality and retail, and technology and craftsmanship - ranging from IT services and master electricians to microchip technology engineers. all within dual vocational training courses.

GEDU plans to invest in a training facility in Việt Nam to accommodate up to 300 trainees annually, which will provide language training, cultural orientation, and candidate assessment before their vocational training in Germany begins, he said.

Parliamentary State Secretary of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Patrick Dahlemann expressed his willingness to assist with paperwork and provide initial services for newly arriving workers.

Jochen Schulte, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania state, announced a new policy in collaboration with the state's Chamber of Industry and Commerce to establish a dedicated service centre for supporting immigrant workers.

Representatives from various companies also echoed the need for support from both Governments regarding visa issuance, immigration laws, and mutual recognition of qualifications. — VNA/VNS