Bulgaria and Vietnam Discuss Renewed Labor Cooperation Amid Growing Workforce Needs
Sofia, The Gulf Observer: In a bid to address Bulgaria’s pressing labor shortages and deepen long-standing diplomatic relations, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov met with Vietnam’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, H.E. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, to explore avenues for expanded cooperation in labor and social policy.
During the meeting, Minister Gutsanov expressed admiration for Vietnam’s sustained economic growth and underscored Bulgaria’s growing demand for both unskilled workers and qualified professionals. He noted that the current number of Vietnamese workers in Bulgaria stands at around 230 — significantly lower than in previous decades — and stressed the need to revitalize this partnership through new initiatives.
“We are eager to build on our historical ties with Vietnam and open new channels for cooperation, especially in workforce training, personnel exchange, and investment,” Gutsanov stated, suggesting the formulation of a new bilateral agreement to facilitate these goals.
Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet welcomed the proposal and emphasized the importance of this cooperation ahead of a significant diplomatic milestone: the 75th anniversary of Bulgaria-Vietnam relations in 2025. She recalled that over 30,000 Vietnamese nationals have studied in Bulgaria over the years, many of whom now hold key leadership positions in Vietnam — a legacy that continues to strengthen bilateral ties.
Highlighting Vietnam’s global labor footprint, the ambassador noted that over 160,000 Vietnamese citizens are working abroad in various sectors, including healthcare. “Many of our workers, such as nurses and caregivers, are highly skilled and could contribute significantly to Bulgaria’s workforce,” she said. She proposed that investment in training Vietnamese workers specifically for Bulgarian labor market needs could yield mutual benefits.
Both sides acknowledged the need to move swiftly toward drafting a formal agreement to enhance labor mobility, social policy coordination, and training cooperation. Minister Gutsanov concluded the meeting by reaffirming Bulgaria’s commitment to revitalizing its historically close relations with Vietnam and building a forward-looking partnership that responds to current labor market realities.
The meeting marks a renewed commitment to collaboration, aiming not only to address immediate labor demands but also to lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable development between the two nations.
