Vietnam’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Nguyen Dac Thanh, met with senior leaders of German businesses operating in Vietnam to promote bilateral relations, improve the investment climate, and encourage cooperation in vocational training, high technology, and the green transition.
On May 21, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, the German Business Association (GBA), in cooperation with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam) organized a special roundtable discussion featuring Mr. Nguyen Dac Thanh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Federal Republic of Germany. This was a key event in the series commemorating 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Germany diplomatic relations and 30 years of GBA’s establishment.
The GBA Business Roundtable brought together major leading corporations such as Adidas, Mercedes-Benz, BASF, Bayer, Allianz Partners, NFQ, Roedl & Partner, STADA Pymepharco… alongside senior leaders from GBA, AHK, and the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Nguyen Dac Thanh
In his opening remarks, Mr. Martin Koerner, Vice Chairman of GBA, emphasized: “This is an important opportunity for the German business community to directly engage with the new Ambassador, share expectations, recommendations, and solutions to enhance cooperation amid today’s global economic uncertainty”.
German business leaders highlighted the importance of a stable legal environment, transparent administrative procedures, and the need to strengthen mechanisms for workforce development and international personnel mobility as key enablers for sustainable growth in Vietnam.
Responding to the concerns, Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh affirmed that the Vietnamese Government is vigorously promoting administrative reforms, including streamlining management structures and simplifying visa and work permit procedures. He stated: “These reforms are parts of a long-term strategy to build an open, fair, and internationally integrated training system”.
One notable example raised was the need for intra-group personnel exchanges among multinational companies. A representative from Adidas shared challenges related to cross-border mobility of experts and technicians, which are currently hindered by visa regulations – limiting flexibility and operational efficiency in global workforce management.
A standout moment in the discussion was STADA Pymepharco’s presentation of its two EU-GMP certified manufacturing facilities in Tuy Hoa – a major milestone toward entering the German and broader European pharmaceutical markets. The initiative represents a concrete example of Vietnam–Germany innovation-driven cooperation.
Representatives from Puma also expressed the importance of policy stability and long-term development orientation in Vietnam, calling these key enablers for foreign enterprises to confidently plan and expand their sustainable investments.
Reaffirming Vietnam’s global economic vision, Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh stressed the country’s commitment to deepen international integration, including efforts to leverage free trade agreements such as EVFTA, and diversify export markets to adapt to global volatility.
Beyond immediate and short-term concerns, the roundtable also focused on long-term strategies, with a spotlight on promoting economic diplomacy in elevating the Vietnam–Germany strategic partnership.
Ambassador Thanh noted: “Vietnamese SMEs are fully capable of penetrating the German and EU markets, provided they receive appropriate support in technology transfer, human capital development, and innovation”.
Echoing this view, Mr. Tran Duy Phong from the Ministry of Science and Technology, proposed establishing deeper connections between SMEs from both countries – especially in key areas such as renewable energy, Industry 4.0, digital technology, and artificial intelligence.
This event not only carried strategic importance in strengthening ties between German businesses in Vietnam and the Vietnamese government, but also served as a meaningful reflection on 50 years of impactful bilateral relations. At the same time, 2025 also commemorates 30 years since the founding of GBA – a development has created a solid foundation for cooperation, where the voice of the business community is heard and translated into practical policy.
In its role as an effective bridge, GBA has made, is making, and will continue to contribute to improving the investment environment, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening the alignment between German businesses and Vietnam’s strategic goals in this era of global integration.
Anh Nguyen
Source: Doanh nghiep hoi nhap News
