ERFURT – Thuringia and Vietnam have a long tradition of diverse relations and a lively exchange, and this connection between the economically dynamic Southeast Asian nation and the Free State in the heart of Germany and Europe holds considerable potential for the future. Against this backdrop, Vietnam Day 2025, taking place 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 recruiting trainees and skilled workers, and to network with representatives from politics and associations. Vietnam Day is being organized by LEG Thüringen with its foreign trade team "Thuringia International" and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) of Southern Thuringia. 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 greeting from the Vietnamese Embassy. The event also marks 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 expand in the coming years,” the minister added. At the same time, Vietnam is an important source of trainees, who are desperately needed in Thuringia. “I think we have succeeded in developing mutually beneficial projects in this area. The project of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Southern Thuringia is exemplary in this respect.” Therefore, topics such as economic exchange, the recruitment of skilled workers, and cooperation in the agricultural sector will be the focus of a delegation trip to Vietnam by the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs in November of this year.
Numerous business opportunities are opening up for Thuringian companies in Vietnam. The Vietnamese economy is among the most dynamic in Asia, and companies from the Free State of Thuringia have already successfully operated in the Vietnamese market 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). In addition, Vietnam's excellent strategic location in Southeast Asia provides access to other ASEAN markets with over 600 million inhabitants. "The ties between Thuringia and Vietnam have a long history and are traditionally close," says Andreas Krey, Managing Director of LEG. "For decades, LEG has implemented numerous measures to enable our Thuringian companies to develop markets, establish and expand their businesses, and recruit skilled workers in Vietnam. Our Vietnam Day offers companies an excellent opportunity to gain an overview of current developments and business opportunities in a single day and to network with key players."
Furthermore, the long-standing relationships offer both sides the opportunity to collaborate in terms of recruiting and training skilled workers.
“Recruiting skilled workers and trainees from abroad is essential for the economic competitiveness of South Thuringia. Companies need support in this endeavor, as recruitment, language training, and immigration bureaucracy involve significant time and financial expenditure. We are pleased that the Free State of Thuringia has recognized the necessity of this recruitment and provides financial support for language training and social integration for projects such as the one run by the South Thuringian Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam. On August 7, another 60 Vietnamese trainees will begin their apprenticeships in 25 companies, bringing the total number of Vietnamese project participants to over 300 (304),” explains Torsten Herrmann, President of the South Thuringian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The program is characterized by information and exchange. Following the welcoming remarks, Thuringian entrepreneurs will share their experiences in Vietnam, providing valuable insights for successful collaborations. A panel discussion will then address the topic "Thuringia and Vietnam: Opportunities in a Globalized World." This will be followed by workshops where all participants will work on practical topics: "Market Entry and Business Development in Vietnam," "Procurement from Vietnam," "Understanding Vietnamese Culture," and "Recruiting Skilled Workers from Vietnam." The Thuringian Agency for Skilled Worker Recruitment (ThAFF), located at LEG, will participate in the latter workshop. Networking opportunities will be available throughout the day. Before the evening networking event, the trainees of the ninth cohort of the South Thuringian Chambers of Commerce's Vietnam Project will be formally welcomed into their respective training companies.
All media representatives are cordially invited to participate in Vietnam Day.
- Time: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 1-8 pm
- Location: Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Southern Thuringia, Bahnhofstraße 4-8, Suhl
Further information, including the program, can be found at:
https://www.leg-thueringen.de/event/12912/
