Ho Chi Minh City, 3 July, 2025

Dear valued GBA Members, Friends and Partners,

As we reach the second half of 2025, I want to extend my sincere thanks for your trust, commitment, and active engagement in this year full of opportunities and complexities — marking 30 years of the GBA in Vietnam. Together, we have transformed our strategic priorities into tangible actions and laid a strong foundation for the months ahead. Looking back on the second quarter, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as one united community.

2025 Strategic Priorities – Driving Community Growth, Expanding Our Impact

In line with our strategic pillars, the second quarter has been another period of dynamic activities, meaningful dialogue, and new milestones. We have stayed on top of current trends and built a program that supports you in your daily and strategic business decisions, as well as your future growth planning. All our actions have been centered around the ambition to grow with quality across Vietnam as one united community.

Maximizing the Quality of GBA Offerings

In Q2, GBA remained committed to delivering high-quality, relevant content through a dynamic mix of Monthly Business Meetings, workshops, and excursions – ensuring our members are well-equipped to navigate change and seize emerging opportunities.

From global trade shifts and tariff turbulence ( Recap April MBM | Recap May MBM ) to Vietnam’s new Data Law (Recap June MBM), our MBMs brought in leading experts to share timely insights and practical strategies tailored to the needs of German businesses in Vietnam.

At the same time, our hands-on workshops at Cicor Vietnam (Cicor Workshop), international soccer development (Soccer Workshop) and excursion to the DRÄXLMAIER Tam Ky Factory in Quang Nam (Excursion) offered members in-depth industry perspectives and new ways to connect and grow together. To strengthen regional connections, we’re expanding site visits, hands-on workshops, and local networking to drive collaboration.

A thriving business community is built not only on knowledge sharing but also on meaningful relationships. Our Family Day Easter Celebration and the GBA Badminton Tournament – attracted more than 400 participants bringing together families, colleagues, and friends in the true spirit of community – next to our regular Deutschen Treffs in HCMC and Hanoi. These moments remind us that behind every business connection lies a personal one >>> Family Day | Badminton Tournament

Listening to our members’ desire for more targeted networking, we piloted a new format: the Meet the GBA Board series, designed along specific industries. The IT Networking Breakfast addressed key opportunities and challenges in Vietnam’s fast-evolving tech sector, while our spotlight sessions on Healthcare and Agriculture helped connect industry leaders for deeper sector-specific exchanges. The strong outcome and positive feedback, gives us the courage to continue this format in the second half of the year. >>> IT Networking Breakfast | Healthcare & Agriculture

Extending Our Geographical Reach

We remain deeply committed to supporting our members wherever they are across Vietnam. In both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, we are broadening our footprint by expanding and professionalising our dedicated GBA office team, including hiring new colleagues — and, for the first time, having an office representative based in Hanoi. >>> refer here, ensuring that we can serve you more effectively on the ground.

A major milestone is the event to meet two GBA representatives in Central Vietnam on 19 June 2025 >>> refer here. Their expertise, local insight, and strong commitment will be invaluable in strengthening the GBA’s reach, fostering new connections, and representing our members’ interests in Central Vietnam. On behalf of the entire GBA Board, I thank them for volunteering their time and effort to grow our presence in this emerging region.

Celebrating Milestones & Partnerships

In Q2, we proudly co-hosted and participated in events that reflect our role as a bridge-builder for the German-Vietnamese business community:

• European Night 2025 brought together the European business community for an evening of celebration and renewed commitment to collaboration as partners >>> European Night
• We were honored to join the Europe Day Reception 2025, marking Europe’s unity and our shared ambitions in Vietnam to support the nation towards future proof economy >>> Europe Day
• The Deutschen Treff gatherings in Ho Chi Minh City with SingCham continue to provide a friendly and informal setting for members to expand their network and exchange ideas beyond our existing formats >>> Deutschentreff co-hosted with SingCham
• Our Business Roundtable with H.E. Mr. Nguyen Dac Thanh, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany, provided a unique opportunity for our members to discuss important developments and deepen ties between our two countries >>> Roundtable

These moments reinforce the value of partnership and dialogue in building a sustainable and prosperous business environment.

Highlights Ahead – Let’s Stay Connected
The second half of 2025 promises to be thrilling, with major annual highlights and our 30th anniversary celebration already taking shape:

• GBA Business Awards – Friday, 19 September: Nominations & Tickets now open >>> Register HERE: https://bit.ly/GBA_AWARD2025
• GBA Oktoberfest – Hanoi (25–27 September), Danang (3 October), HCMC (9–11 October) >>> Join with us now: GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam
• GBA German Ball 2025 – Saturday, 22 November, a special event marking our 30th anniversary and honoring the contributions of our business community. Stay tuned for more exciting news to come!

We warmly invite all our members, partners, and friends to join us in making the second half of this milestone year truly memorable. Your presence and active participation will help us honour our shared achievements, deepen connections, and shape the future of our strong German business community in Vietnam.

Additionally, I would also like to extend my deep appreciation to our Corporate Partners, whose invaluable support enables us to continue delivering high-impact programs and initiatives for our members. This was beautifully reflected in our recent Mid-Year Appreciation Dinner, which served as a meaningful occasion to celebrate the trust and collaboration that fuel the GBA’s growth and success 👉 Appreciation Dinner

The second quarter of 2025 has once again highlighted the GBA’s role as a trusted partner and strong voice for our members. With many milestones already behind us and even more exciting plans ahead, we remain fully committed to enhancing your membership experience and driving our community forward as we celebrate 30 years of connection and growth.

Together, we are shaping the future of German business in Vietnam — one partnership, one event, and one success story at a time.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

With warm regards,

Alexander Ziehe

Chairman of German Business Association (GBA)