Ho Chi Minh City, 9 July – The German Business Association (GBA) successfully hosted Meet the GBA Board Members, featuring a focused networking session at Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City, spotlighting the Manufacturing sector.
This event brought together manufacturing professionals, industry leaders, and GBA members for an open, interactive networking session – creating a space for candid discussion on current challenges, future trends, and practical solutions to strengthen Vietnam’s manufacturing landscape.
- Mr. Erick Contreras, Managing Director, BASF Vietnam
- Mr. Jan-Christian Koldehoff, General Director, Fr. Meyer’s Sohn
- Mr. Tuan Vi, Vice President SCM & Logistics Asia Pacific, Schaeffler
3 Key Takeaways: Impacts & Insights for Manufacturing
1. Localize Global Standards
Global standards for design, safety, and quality are vital, but they cannot be applied rigidly. Local conditions — from climate to regulatory frameworks — require practical adaptation to ensure sustainable operations.
➡️ Takeaway: Build in flexibility from day one. Tailor global frameworks to fit local realities to mitigate risks and optimize performance.
2. Invest in a Future-Ready Workforce
As manufacturing advances into high-tech sectors like semiconductors, automation, and AI, the need for highly skilled engineers and technicians is growing rapidly — yet talent pipelines remain thin.
➡️ Takeaway: Proactive investment in vocational training, apprenticeships, and practical upskilling — including language capabilities — is essential to build a resilient, competitive workforce.
3. Enable Growth through Collaboration
A thriving, future-ready manufacturing sector depends on meaningful collaboration between industry, education, and government. Smart policies, streamlined processes, and active industry associations create the conditions for long-term success.
➡️ Takeaway: Engage deeply in networks and policy dialogues. Share challenges and ideas to help shape an enabling ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
A big thank you to our speakers and all GBA members who joined and shared your perspectives, experience, and energy.
This session reflects GBA’s ongoing commitment in 2025 to foster genuine connections, actionable insights, and sector-driven growth for our business community.
Stay tuned for the next “Meet the GBA Board Members” session — and let’s continue to shape a stronger future together!
