Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Arto Olavi Satonen speaks at the forum on “Vietnam - Finland Labour Cooperation” held by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs on January 13 in Hanoi
According to the embassy of Finland in Vietnam, the visit will explore avenues for deeper cooperation and highlight career opportunities available in Finland for Vietnamese workers in sectors such as technology, industry, and healthcare.
On January 13, the delegation participated in the forum on “Vietnam - Finland Labour Cooperation” held by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in Hanoi, where enterprises explore market insights and collaboration opportunities.
Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung (R) and visiting Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Arto Olavi Satonen sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour migration cooperation as part of their talks in Hanoi on January 13. Photo by VNA.
At the forum, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung and Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Arto Olavi Satonen signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labour migration cooperation.
The five-year MOU establishes a partnership on labour migration within the respective jurisdictions of both parties, adhering to their current laws, procedures, and resources, while respecting international norms and standards. Sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation serves as the cornerstone to promote the transparent, ethical, and sustainable deployment of experts, skilled workers, and seasonal labourers from Vietnam to Finland, preventing exploitation and abuse and ensuring compliance with the legal frameworks of both nations.
During the talks, Dung commended the positive outcomes of Vietnam-Finland cooperation thus far and informed the Finnish minister on Vietnam's expanding labour force abroad. Over the past few years, Vietnam has sent approximately 160,000 workers to work overseas on an annual basis. Currently, around 700,000 Vietnamese workers are employed across more than 30 sectors in 40 countries and territories.
He said Vietnamese workers are recognised for their youth, diligence, and intelligence, gaining increasing trust from international employers, including those in Finland.
He added that since late 2023, his ministry has approved applications from three Vietnamese service enterprises to supply 134 workers (including 65 women) to the European nation. So far, 55 of them have begun employment in Finland, earning a stable monthly income of 1,500-2,000 EUR with favourable working conditions and social benefits.
Speaking at the forum, Minister Satonen stated that Finland wanted to enhance cooperation between the two countries to help businesses and international experts connect.
"We are committed to supporting employers and experts to ensure they have favorable conditions for successful recruitment," he said. "Upholding ethical standards and smooth recruitment processes remain our top priorities.”
Participants at the forum.
As a member of the visiting delegation, Juhana Vartiainen, the Mayor of the City of Helsinki, shared that they welcome newcomers and offer a comprehensive range of information and public services to assist with settling into a new country.
"The city of Helsinki is the largest employer in Finland, and we actively seek talented workforce from abroad, particularly in our healthcare sector," he said.
Laura Lindeman, the director of the Work in Finland unit at Business Finland, expressed optimism about attracting Vietnamese talents to Finland.
"Work in Finland has been dedicated to build bridges and strengthen collaboration in Vietnam with such initiates as connecting cities and companies in Finland with local partners," she said. "Our high-quality companies offer vast opportunities for professional development and education."
She encourages Vietnamese talents to explore working and living opportunities in Finland through the national website, www.workinfinland.com.
During their visits to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Minister Satonen and his delegation will have meetings with central and local leaders as well as the business community and international agencies to exchange practices and further ethical cooperation in labour mobility.