HCMC, May 5 – The GBA held its Monthly Business Meeting, titled “Global Shifts, New Chances: Vietnam – Germany & Beyond”, attracting more than 50 attendees at New World Saigon Hotel. The session, chaired by GBA Board Member Mr. Michael Wekezer, brought together a distinguished lineup of experts offering timely insights on the shifting global order, implications of Germany’s new government, and Vietnam’s strategic position amid trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty.
Key Insights:
- Mr. Florian C. Feyerabend, Resident Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Florian offered a first-hand update on the political transition in Germany, highlighting the priorities of the newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz. His analysis covered Germany’s new realist foreign policy stance, renewed strategic focus on Southeast Asia, and key pillars of the coalition agreement—ranging from digitalization and labor market reform to foreign security policy and Germany–Vietnam cooperation. - Mr. Michael Kokalari, CFA, Chief Economist of VinaCapital
Michael shared macroeconomic perspectives on how global trade policies, particularly under the new Trump administration, could affect Vietnam. He examined tariff scenarios, FDI trends, and Vietnam’s ability to respond through domestic fiscal and policy tools. His insights highlighted both the near-term risks and long-term resilience of Vietnam’s economy. - Mr. Damien Cave, Vietnam Bureau Chief of The New York Times
Damien leads The New York Times’ Vietnam bureau, reporting on the country’s rapid transformation and shifting global power dynamics. With over 20 years of international reporting from more than 20 countries, he provided a thought-provoking view on America’s declining global engagement, the rise of isolationism, and the shifting expectations for middle powers like Germany and Vietnam.
Attendees gained timely insights into global trade disruptions, Germany’s political reset, U.S. disengagement trends, and Vietnam’s strategic positioning as a resilient middle power in an increasingly fragmented world.
The GBA extends its sincere thanks to the keynote speakers and all participants for their valuable contributions, which made the event a success and provided timely and in-depth perspectives on global developments shaping the region and Vietnam’s strategic role.
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