(KDPT) – On May 21, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, H.E. Nguyen Dac Thanh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Federal Republic of Germany for the 2024–2027 term, met with leaders of German businesses operating in Vietnam.
The GBA Business Roundtable focused on key topics concerning Vietnam–Germany diplomatic relations, the current operations of German businesses in Vietnam, their economic contributions, as well as the challenges and proposals to improve the local investment environment.
The discussion was chaired by Mr. Martin Koerner, Vice Chairman of the German Business Association (GBA), and attended by Dr. Josefine Wallat, German Consul General; Mr. Peter Kompalla, Chief Representative of the Delegation of Industry and Commerce in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam); Mr. Elmar Dutt, General Director of Deutsches Haus; Board members of GBA; and representatives from German companies operating in Vietnam such as Adidas, Allianz Partners, BASF, Bayer, Fischer Asia, Mercedes-Benz, NFQ, World Cat (Puma), Roedl & Partner, and STADA Pymepharco.
This roundtable marked a meaningful milestone in the celebration of 50 years of Vietnam–Germany bilateral relations and the 30th anniversary of the German Business Association in Vietnam (GBA). It was also a valuable opportunity for the German business community to engage directly with the new Ambassador, share their visions and expectations for a new era of cooperation, and discuss practical topics such as bilateral trade development, vocational training, the green transition, and potential for Vietnamese enterprises to expand into the German and EU markets.
Expectations from German Businesses in Vietnam
During the discussion, corporate representatives emphasized the need for short-term training programs and intra-group personnel exchanges between subsidiaries multinational corporations. According to Adidas representative, there is currently no appropriate mechanism in place to rotating employees between countries to support short-term skill development and cultural integration. Existing visa and work permit regulations remain significant barriers to promote international talent exchange and develop of a high-quality workforce.
Mr. Nguyen Dac Thanh – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Germany
In response, Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh reaffirmed that the Vietnamese Government is vigorously promoting administrative reform, including reducing the number of bureaucratic layers from three to two, to create a favorable environment and facilitate business operations. He emphasized that simplifying procedures for labor and training-related visas is part of a broader effort to build an open, fair, and globally integrated national training system.
On the topic of high-tech and green investments, STADA Pymepharco introduced two EU-GMP-certified pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Tuy Hoa, marking a significant step toward exporting pharmaceuticals to Germany and the EU. This stands as a prime example of innovative collaboration between Vietnam and Germany in highly regulated industries.
A representative from Puma expressed strong interest in Vietnam’s policy stability and long-term development orientation, viewing these factors as critical for businesses to plan sustainable investment expansions.
Against the backdrop of global uncertainties, the Ambassador affirmed Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to integration and proactive participation in a fair and transparent global trade system. He also highlighted Vietnam’s diplomatic efforts to minimize the impact of international economic challenges and diversify export markets, particularly through leveraging free trade agreements such as the EVFTA. He also pledged to covey the practical recommendations from the business community to relevant ministries, especially the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Government Office, to jointly develop feasible solutions.
Deepening Economic Diplomacy – Elevating SMEs Cooperation
In his remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh underscored the central role of economic diplomacy in the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Germany. He commenced the German business community in promoting technology transfer, innovation, and sustainable development – key pillars in enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese SMEs looking to enter the German and EU markets.
Mr. Tran Duy Phong, from the Ministry of Science and Technology, proposed enhancing connections between SMEs from both countries, especially in key industries such as renewable energy, smart manufacturing, knowledge-based industries, and digital technology. He also suggested strengthening cooperation in research and development (R&D), technology transfer, vocational training, and startup support in Germany’s areas of expertise such as automation, artificial intelligence and big data.
Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh acknowledged the real challenges faced by German businesses in Vietnam and reiterated the government’s commitment to administrative reform, deeper integration, and export market diversification. He called on the German business community to continue accompanying with Vietnam on the path toward sustainable development.
50 Years of Diplomacy – 30 Years of GBA: A Journey of Enduring Partnership
This event was especially significant as Vietnam and Germany jointly celebrate 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations – a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and comprehensive cooperation.
The year 2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the German Business Association (GBA) – one of the first foreign business associations established in Vietnam. Over the past three decades, GBA has grown into one of the most influential and well-established foreign business communities, representing nearly 400 members and serving as a strategic bridge between German businesses and the Vietnamese Government.
Throughout this journey, GBA has consistently played a pioneering role in promoting quality investment, improving the business environment, and fostering a value-driven business community. This event clearly illustrates the spirit of open dialogue, cooperation, and joint effort to build a prosperous future for both nations.
The roundtable was not only an occasion to share strategic visions but also a strong testament to GBA’s role in connecting German enterprises with the Vietnamese Government and local partners, contributing to a stable, transparent, and forward-looking business environment.
Thuy Khang
Source: Kinh doanh & Phat trien News
