ERFURT_There are traditionally diverse relationships and a lively exchange between Thuringia and Vietnam, and this connection between the economically dynamic state in Southeast Asia and the Free State in the heart of Germany and Europe holds numerous potentials for the future. Against this backdrop, the Vietnam Day 2025 on August 7, 2025 in Suhl offers all participants a wide range of opportunities to learn about market development and business establishment in Vietnam, as well as the recruitment of trainees and skilled workers, and to network with representatives from politics and associations. The Vietnam Day is organized by LEG Thüringen with its foreign trade team "Thuringia International“ and the IHK Südthüringen. It will be opened by Thuringia's Minister of Economic Affairs Colette Boos-John, LEG Managing Director Andreas Krey, and IHK President Torsten Herrmann; followed by a welcome address from the Vietnamese Embassy. The event also takes place against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam.
“Vietnam has become a close partner of Thuringia – both in terms of economic cooperation and the recruitment of skilled workers,” says Boos-John. The trade volume between the two countries currently amounts to around 200 million euros. Given its rapid economic growth, the ASEAN member state represents an important future market for the Thuringian economy – “I am confident that economic relations will continue to develop positively and increase in scope in the coming years,” said the minister. At the same time, Vietnam is an important country of origin for recruiting trainees, who are in high demand in Thuringia. “I think we have succeeded in developing projects that are beneficial for both sides in this area. The project of the IHK Südthüringen is exemplary in this regard.” Topics of economic exchange, the recruitment of skilled workers, and also cooperation in the field of agriculture are therefore the focus of a delegation trip by the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs to Vietnam in November of this year.
For Thuringian companies, numerous business opportunities are opening up in Vietnam. The Vietnamese economy is one of the most dynamic in Asia, and companies from the Free State have already been able to operate successfully in the Vietnamese market in the past in strong Thuringian sectors such as mechanical engineering, optics, and electronics. Trade between the two regions is further facilitated by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Added to this is Vietnam's excellent strategic location in Southeast Asia, providing access to the other ASEAN markets with over 600 million inhabitants. "The connections between Thuringia and Vietnam have a long history and are traditionally close," says LEG Managing Director Andreas Krey. "For decades, LEG has been implementing numerous measures to enable our Thuringian companies to engage in market development, business start-up and expansion, and the recruitment of skilled workers in Vietnam. Our Vietnam Day offers companies an excellent opportunity to get an overview of current developments and business opportunities in one day and to enter into discussions with multipliers."
For both sides, the long-standing relationships also offer the opportunity to collaborate on attracting skilled workers and training.
“The recruitment of skilled workers and trainees from abroad is essential for the performance of the business location of South Thuringia. Companies need support for this, as acquisition, language training, and immigration bureaucracy involve high time and financial costs. We are pleased that the Free State has recognized the necessity of this recruitment and is providing financial support for language training and social integration for projects such as that of the South Thuringian Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam. On August 7, 60 Vietnamese trainees will again be able to begin their training in 25 companies, meaning the number of Vietnamese project participants has exceeded the threshold of 300 (304),” explains Torsten Herrmann, President of the IHK South Thuringia.
The program is characterized by information and exchange, starting with welcoming remarks from Thuringian entrepreneurs who report on their experiences in Vietnam, thus providing valuable suggestions for successful cooperation. A panel discussion then addresses the topic of "Thuringia and Vietnam: Opportunities in a Globalized World“. This is followed by workshops where all participants work on practice-relevant topics: "Market Entry and Business Establishment in Vietnam“, "Procurement from Vietnam“, "Understanding Vietnamese Culture“, and "Recruiting Skilled Workers from Vietnam“. The Thuringian Agency For Skilled Worker Recruitment (ThAFF), which is based at the LEG, participates in the latter workshop. Networking opportunities are available throughout the day. Before the evening networking event, the trainees of the 9th cohort of the Vietnam project of the South Thuringian Chambers of Commerce and Industry are ceremonially welcomed into the training companies.
All media representatives are cordially invited to participate in Vietnam Day.
- Time: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 1-8 PM
- Location: IHK Südthüringen, Bahnhofstraße 4-8, Suhl
Further information including the program at:
https://www.leg-thueringen.de/event/12912/
