Anti-immigrant rhetoric in Germany may damage economy, president says

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has warned that rising far-right rhetoric about forcing foreigners out of Germany could seriously damage the country's economy.

Steinmeier, speaking during a visit to Vietnam on Wednesday, said that hostility toward immigrants is a major concern that is repeatedly raised in his meetings with Germany's business community.

"Many entrepreneurs have recognized this: If Germany is being talked about with concern, that the country is going astray politically, that we are closing ourselves off and giving free rein to discrimination or discrediting people, then this is also damaging the economy," Steinmeier said in Ho Chi Minh City.

Steinmeier made his comments during his state visit to Vietnam, where efforts to recruit skilled workers to move to Germany are a priority.

German companies have repeatedly complained about a shortage of high-skilled workers and difficulties in recruiting adequate staff.

Concerns about increased support for far-right politics in Germany have been just as much a topic of his talks in Vietnam as in Germany, Steinmeier said.

"In this respect, I am pleased that business leaders are increasingly speaking out about this," said Steinmeier.

He praised recent mass demonstrations across Germany against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and other right-wing groups as a strong sign for democracy and tolerance.

"The democratic centre of our society has awakened and feels its responsibility," Steinmeier said.