The ABA, an agency under Austria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy, is responsible for promoting international cooperation in investment, business, labour, and the film industry. Since its establishment in 1982, the ABA has helped create nearly 75,000 new jobs and attract 14 billion EUR (about 16.2 billion USD) in investment. The agency also works with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) to promote outbound investment.

During the meeting, Hoang briefed his host on Vietnam’s favourable investment environment, highlighting opportunities for Austrian companies with strengths in technology, finance, green transition and digital transformation.

He also introduced Vietnam as a leading partner in sending skilled workers abroad under non-profit models widely recognised in Asia and Europe, with Vietnamese workers valued for their skills, discipline, and adaptability.

The ambassador cited the successful cooperation model between Vietnam and the IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences in Lower Austria, which grants 150 full scholarships for Vietnamese nursing students. Graduates of the programme receive high-quality training, internships, and guaranteed jobs with high incomes.

Currently, the number of Vietnamese workers in Austria remains modest compared to other EU countries, and the two sides have yet to sign a bilateral labour cooperation agreement. Vietnam, therefore, hopes to soon establish such a framework to promote skilled labour exchange and vocational training with Austrian partners, particularly in nursing, information technology, electronics, hospitality, and seasonal work.

Tritscher said Austria sees Vietnam as an increasingly important partner and a gateway to the Southeast Asian market, in line with Austria's competitive strengths in precision engineering, railways, high technology, finance, biomedical technology, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

Vietnam is also a highly potential partner for skilled labour, especially as Austria continues to expand its labour markets beyond Southeast Europe, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil, he said.

Tritscher congratulated IMC Krems on its sustainable nursing training model and expressed support for promoting similar programmes across other Austrian states. He also pledged to work closely with the Vietnamese Embassy on upcoming initiatives, including the annual technology forum, the Vietnam business and investment forum, and the Vietnam–Austria skilled labour and vocational training forum./.VNA