GBA’s New Office Inauguration & AHK Vietnam’s Office Warming
On September 18, 2023, the German Business Association (GBA) celebrated the inauguration of its brand-new office on the level 4 of the prestigious Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City, a modern and spacious space that reflects GBA’s growth and vision for the future. The new office will enable GBA to serve its members better and strengthen its role as a bridge between the German and Vietnamese business communities.
On the same day, AHK Vietnam also marked their office warming with an enhanced office space – A Hub for Innovation, Learning, and Collaboration. AHK’s spacious meeting rooms have been thoughtfully crafted to accommodate a diverse range of activities, from dynamic internal and external training sessions to enriching networking events.
The ceremony was attended by more than 50 guests, including representatives from the German General Consulate Dr. Josefine Wallat, General Consul and Mr. Jakob Lokau, Head of Visa Section, together with other “Team Germany” representatives from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Goethe Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Vietnamese-German University VGU.
Esteemed guests and friends from Vietnamese agencies included Vietnam Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Ho Chi Minh City Branch, the Vietnam-German Friendship Association, and FOSCO.
Esteemed guests and friends from European Business Associations and Chambers included EuroCham, BeluxCham, DBAV, ICHAM and GBA Board members, corporate partners and members.
The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Mr. Elmar Dutt, Co-Chairman of the GBA, who expressed his gratitude to all the supportive stakeholders of the GBA, as well as his optimism for the future of the bilateral trade and investment relations between Germany and Vietnam, especially with the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He also highlighted some of the achievements and activities of the GBA in the past year with growing 350 members, newly elected Executive Director, and over 50 events per year offering excellent networking opportunities for various needs that come along with doing business in Vietnam.
Next, Mr. Marko Walde, Chief Representative of AHK in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, congratulated the AHK Vietnam and GBA team for their achievements and thanked the guests for their support and cooperation. Mr. Walde highlighted the role of AHK Vietnam as a partner for growth and a partner in Vietnam, thriving on the success of not only German and European companies but also Vietnamese businesses. He also emphasized AHK’s endeavor on several vital projects and meaningful initiatives, such as dual vocational training, sustainable and climate-resilient supply chains, healthcare services, agricultural and food, fair migration, etc.
The new office inauguration was a successful event that showcased the vitality and diversity of the German business community in Vietnam. For almost 30 years, AHK Vietnam and GBA have maintained a close, trusted, and fruitful partnership in supporting all German and Vietnamese companies to connect, collaborate, and grow in the dynamic and promising market of Vietnam. With exciting plans ahead, AHK Vietnam and GBA are dedicated to fostering the economic ties between Vietnam and Germany.
