Da Nang, 21 August 2026 – The German Business Association (GBA) brought together its leadership, government partners, German businesses and the wider European business community in Da Nang for a full day of strategy, dialogue, cultural exchange and networking.
From the GBA Mid-Year Board Strategy Meeting and the Dialogue with Da Nang City Authorities to the GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam 2026 Press Conference and the 9th edition of GBA Da Nang Meets Europe, the programme highlighted GBA’s growing engagement in Central Vietnam and its role in connecting German businesses with Vietnamese authorities and the international business community.
Strengthening the German–Da Nang Economic Partnership
On 21 August 2026, the GBA delegation joined Ms. Andrea Sühl, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City, for a high-level dialogue with the Da Nang City leadership, led by Mr. Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee.
The dialogue brought together representatives of relevant City departments and agencies and German businesses to discuss Da Nang’s evolving economic landscape following its recent expansion and the opportunities this creates for German investment.
Discussions focused on high technology sectors and advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, talent programs, administrative reform and investment facilitation. German companies emphasized the importance of predictable and transparent administrative procedures, access to skilled talent, stronger regional supply chains and closer cooperation between businesses, universities and vocational education institutions.
With an established and growing German business presence, Da Nang is well positioned to attract further investment in all highlighted sectors, alongside with deeper cooperation in education, R&D and technology partnerships.
Explore the Investment Opportunities and Potential in Da Nang City document here.
GBA Chairman Alexander Ziehe reaffirmed GBA’s commitment to supporting German companies seeking to invest, expand and grow in Da Nang and Central Vietnam.
An important milestone of the dialogue was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between GBA and the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authority (DSEZA), establishing a framework for closer cooperation in investment promotion, business development and connecting German companies with opportunities in the region.
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Setting the Strategic Direction
The day began with the GBA Mid-Year Board Strategy Meeting, where the Board reviewed the Association’s progress, aligned on strategic priorities and set the direction for the second half of 2026.
A key focus was the successful delivery of GBA’s major initiatives and flagship events in the months ahead, including GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi, and the German Business & Investment Forum in October.
The Board also discussed GBA’s longer-term organizational development meeting the changing environment of Vietnam, including our cooperation with AHK to leverage our networks and presence further.
GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam Returns to Da Nang
Following the dialogue, GBA and its partners officially introduced GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam 2026 in Da Nang at a press conference, as part of this year’s nationwide celebration across Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi.
More than a traditional German festival, GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam has become a platform connecting culture, business and community, providing an informal environment for German and Vietnamese businesses, partners and communities to meet and strengthen relationships.
GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam 2026 in Da Nang will take place on 2 October at Furama Resort Danang, bringing Bavarian culture, cuisine and entertainment to Central Vietnam.
9th GBA Da Nang Meets Europe
The day concluded with the 9th edition of GBA Da Nang Meets Europe, bringing together more than 50 participants from the German, European, international and local business communities.
Organized by GBA together with its European chamber partners, the event provided a relaxed setting for cross-chamber networking, new connections and exchange on business opportunities in Central Vietnam.
Against the backdrop of Da Nang’s coastline, participants strengthened existing relationships and built new connections across the European and local business communities.
Deepening GBA’s Engagement in Central Vietnam
The day reflected the interconnected dimensions of GBA’s work: strategic development, government dialogue, investment promotion, cultural exchange and community building.
As Da Nang enters a new stage of development, GBA sees significant opportunities to build on the success of German companies already present in the region and encourage more businesses to invest and expand in Central Vietnam.
GBA will continue working closely with the German diplomatic network, AHK Vietnam, Da Nang authorities, its members and partners to translate dialogue into concrete cooperation and create new opportunities for sustainable German–Vietnamese business relations.
From strategy and government dialogue, to cultural exchange and community building, the programme in Da Nang demonstrated GBA’s long-term commitment to strengthening German business engagement in Central Vietnam.