On May 21, 2025, the German Business Association in Vietnam (GBA), the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam), and Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City had the honor of welcoming H.E. Mr. Nguyen Dac Thanh – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Federal Republic of Germany for the 2024–2027 term. The GBA Business Roundtable focused on key topics surrounding the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany, the current operations of German businesses in Vietnam, their economic contributions, as well as challenges and specific recommendations to improve the local investment environment.
The event was chaired by Mr. Martin Koerner, Vice Chairman of GBA, and attended by Dr. Josefine Wallat – Consul General of Germany, Mr. Peter Kompalla – Chief Representative of AHK Vietnam, Mr. Elmar Dutt – General Director of Deutsches Haus, along with the GBA Board Members and representatives from German companies operating in Vietnam, including Adidas, Allianz Partners, BASF, Bayer, Fischer Asia, Mercedes-Benz, NFQ, World cat (Puma), Roedl & Partner, and STADA Pymepharco.
This discussion marked a significant milestone in the series of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany and the 30th anniversary of GBA. It also provided a valuable opportunity for the German business community in Vietnam to engage directly with the newly appointed Ambassador, sharing their vision and expectations for the new phase of bilateral cooperation. Practical topics addressed included the development of bilateral trade, cooperation in education and vocational training, green transition, and the potential for Vietnamese companies to expand into the German and EU markets.
Expectations from German Businesses in Vietnam
During the discussion, company representatives expressed the need for mechanisms to support short-term training and internal exchange programs across subsidiaries of multinational corporations. As highlighted by the representative of Adidas, there currently exists no adequate framework for sending personnel from Vietnam to Germany or the United States for short-term skill development and cultural immersion. Visa and work permit regulations remain major hurdles for advancing international talent exchange and nurturing high-quality human resources.
In response, Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh emphasized the Vietnamese Government’s ongoing efforts to streamline administrative procedures — notably by reducing the number of bureaucratic levels from three to two — to foster a more business-friendly environment. He reiterated that simplifying labor and visa requirements for training programs is part of a broader effort to build an open, equitable, and globally integrated national training system.
Regarding high-tech and sustainable investment, STADA Pymepharco showcased two EU-GMP-certified pharmaceutical plants in Tuy Hòa, which mark a significant leap forward in Vietnam’s pharmaceutical export capacity to Germany and the EU. This represents a prime example of innovative collaboration between the two countries in highly regulated industrial sectors.
Representatives from Puma raised concerns about policy stability and Vietnam’s long-term development orientation, recognizing these as critical factors for planning sustainable investments.
In the face of global uncertainties, Ambassador Thanh reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to deeper global integration and its active participation in a transparent and rules-based international trading system. He highlighted Vietnam’s ongoing high-level diplomatic efforts aimed at mitigating external economic risks and diversifying export markets — particularly through the strategic utilization of free trade agreements such as the EVFTA. He also pledged to convey business community recommendations to relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Government Office, to jointly develop viable solutions.
Economic Diplomacy and 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 commended the German business community for its contributions to technology transfer, innovation, and sustainable development — foundational pillars for enhancing the global competitiveness of Vietnamese SMEs.
Mr. Tran Duy Phong from the Ministry of Science and Technology proposed strengthening connections between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from both countries, particularly in key sectors such as renewable energy, smart manufacturing, the knowledge economy, and digital technology. He also emphasized deepening cooperation in research and development, technology transfer, and vocational training in Germany’s areas of excellence such as automation, artificial intelligence, big data, and bilateral startup support programs.
Ambassador Thanh acknowledged the real challenges faced by German companies operating in Vietnam and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to administrative reform, economic openness, and export diversification. He called on the business community to continue accompanying Vietnam on its path toward sustainable development.
50 Years of Diplomacy – 30 Years of GBA: A Journey of Enduring Partnership
The GBA Business Roundtable took place at a meaningful moment, as Vietnam and Germany mark 50 years of diplomatic relations built on trust, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation. The event also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the German Business Association (GBA), one of Vietnam’s earliest and most influential foreign business groups.
With nearly 400 members today, GBA has played a vital role over the past three decades in promoting high-quality investment, fostering sustainability, and serving as a crucial link between German enterprises and Vietnamese authorities. The roundtable reaffirmed GBA’s mission as a platform for open dialogue and long-term collaboration, contributing to a transparent, stable, and forward-looking business environment in Vietnam.
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