Hanoi (VNA) - A forum for the promotion of economic and trade cooperationbetween Vietnam and Germany was held in Hanoi on November 12.
The forum was jointly organised by the University of Economics underthe Vietnam National University - Hanoi (VNU), Germany’s Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) in Vietnam, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
It took place in the context of many opportunities and challenges facing the twocountries, with the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam InvestmentProtection Agreement (EVIPA) having been approved.
According to Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung, since the two countries officiallyestablished diplomatic ties 45 years ago, Vietnam and Germany have signed a hostof bilateral agreements to comprehensively promote economic, political, and culturalrelations.
Vietnam-Germany trade and investment cooperation have developed rapidly over recentyears but remain modest compared to potential and the desire for cooperation onboth sides.
Businessesfrom the two countries should actively tap into opportunities and advantages tofurther promote economic cooperation, Dung said.
The EVFTA presents an opportunity for EU and German businesses to expand their businessand investment activities in Vietnam, he noted.
German Ambassador to Vietnam Guido Hildner said the fields of environmental protection,sustainable development, and energy supply have been the foundation of bilateralcooperation for many years, affirming that his country will continue to maximiseits support for Vietnam in developing these fields as well as education and vocationaltraining.
Germany has remained a major trading partner of Vietnam in Europe over the last45 years, accounting for about 20 percent of Vietnam’s exports to Europe. It’s alsoan important transit point for Vietnamese goods entering other European markets.
It is now the fourth-largest European investor in Vietnam, with registered capitaltotalling over 2 billion USD as of May 2020. Projects focus on mechanics, machinery,chemicals, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure. The country is also Vietnam’slargest partner in vocational training and education./.