KUALA LUMPUR - Vietnam has expressed its intention to expedite the signing of a memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation with Greece.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Greece Pham Thi Thu Huong raised the matter during a meeting on March 30, as reported by Vietnam News Agency. 

She met with Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum Athanasios Plevris.

The ambassador also outlined Vietnam’s broader labour cooperation efforts.

She highlighted the country’s engagement with European partners, including Greece.

Official figures show nearly 1,500 Vietnamese workers are currently authorised to work in Greece, which are employed across both seasonal and long-term roles.

Greek employers have consistently rated Vietnamese workers highly, citing their strong work ethic, skills and adaptability.

These views were reinforced at a Vietnam-Greece labour cooperation workshop held in Athens in December 2025.

The event drew about 130 representatives from recruitment agencies, industry groups and businesses.

Plevris said Greece is seeking to strengthen labour ties with partner countries.

He said the government aims to formalise agreements to support lawful recruitment of foreign workers and intended to meet rising labour demand and support economic growth.

He added that Vietnamese workers are well regarded for their professionalism and diligence.

Both sides are expected to resume negotiations to finalise the agreement.

The process will align with the legal frameworks of both countries.

Greece is estimated to require around 100,000 foreign workers each year.

Key labour-sending countries include Romania, Albania, Ukraine and Egypt.

Other contributors include Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and the Philippines.

Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam also form part of the labour supply network.