The ABA, an agency under Austria’s Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy, and Tourism, is responsible for consulting and promoting international cooperation in investment, business, labour, and the film industry. Established in 1982, it has contributed to the creation of nearly 75,000 new jobs and attracted investment capital worth EUR 14 billion  (US$16.2 billion) to Austria. The agency also works with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) to promote outbound investment.

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang highlighted Vietnam’s favourable investment climate and policies, noting its potential and opportunities for Austrian enterprises with strengths in technology, finance, green transition, and digital transformation. He said Vietnam is also a leading partner in sending workers abroad under non-profit models applied in several major Asian and European markets, and is highly regarded for its skilled, disciplined, and adaptable workforce.

The ambassador cited the success of the nurse and caregiver training cooperation model at IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems in Lower Austria, which offers 150 full scholarships to Vietnamese students. Trainees receive professional training and internships, and are guaranteed employment with high income upon graduation.

At present, the number of Vietnamese workers in Austria remains modest compared with other markets in the European Union (EU), and the two sides have yet to establish any intergovernmental framework or agreement on labour cooperation. Vietnam hopes to pave the way for skilled labour and vocational training cooperation with Austrian partners, particularly in nursing, information technology, electrical and electronic engineering, hospitality, and seasonal work.

Rene Tritscher said the Austrian Government increasingly regards Vietnam as a gateway to the region with great potential and advantages in line with the competitive strengths of Austrian enterprises in precision engineering, railways, high technology, financial services, biomedical technology and pharmaceuticals, and tourism. He added that Vietnam is also a highly promising partner in skilled labour, as Austria continues to expand its key labour markets beyond Southeast Europe to countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil.

The ABA director congratulated the sustainable, quality-focused nurse training model at IMC Krems and agreed to encourage other Austrian states to adopt and implement similar programs with Vietnam. He also pledged support for upcoming initiatives by the Vietnamese Embassy in Austria, including the annual technology forum, the Vietnam business and investment forum, and the Vietnam-Austria skilled labour and vocational training cooperation forum.

EVFTA boosts Vietnamese rice’s market prospects in Austria

VOV.VN - Vietnamese rice is gaining momentum in Austria thanks to high quality, competitive prices, and preferential tariffs under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), amid rising European demand for sustainable, healthy food products.