The labor shortages are particularly acute in sectors such as welding, construction, healthcare, information technology (IT), and emerging green jobs.
Finland is increasingly turning to Filipino workers to fill critical labor shortages, particularly in sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and emerging green jobs. Finnish Ambassador to the Philippines, Saija Nurminen, emphasized this during her recent visit to Cebu, her first since her appointment in September 2024, Phil Star reports.
“Filipino workers are adaptable and skilled, and there’s great potential for collaboration in upskilling and vocational training,” Nurminen said at a press conference in Cebu.
She highlighted Finland’s globally recognized education system and expertise in sustainable technologies, including waste management, as areas for deeper partnerships. Finnish companies are already exploring green projects in the Philippines, with Cebu identified as a promising hub for investments.
To boost these efforts, Finland’s Minister of Labor will visit the Philippines in January 2025, aiming to enhance recruitment and government cooperation.
The visit also underscored Finland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through labor mobility, education, and sustainability initiatives, as both countries prepare to mark the 20th anniversary of their relations in 2025.
Read more from ScandAsia right here: Finland falling behind in attracting foreign workers from Asia