The Vietnam – Germany Friendship Association (VGFA) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Institute of Germany jointly held a seminar in Hanoi on September 28 on achievements and prospects of the Vietnam – Germany strategic partnership.

Addressing the event, VGFA President Hoang Van Huay said similar seminars will also be held in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh this year, in a bid to provide an insight into the significance of the Vietnam – Germany strategic partnership in politics, economics, education and training as well as prospects for future bilateral cooperation.

Erwin Schweisshelm, head of the FES representative office in Vietnam , said the event offers the participants a chance to discuss prospects for cooperation between the two countries, thus further promoting friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

Vietnam ’s exports to Germany account for 20 percent of total exports to the EU. During the 2000 - 2012 period, Vietnam ’s imports and exports to Germany increased more than four times, reaching an annual growth of 16.6 percent.

Tran Ngoc Quan, deputy head of the European Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said thanks to the recovery of German economy and ceaseless efforts of the two Governments and business communities, especially since Vietnam and the EU started the negotiations on a free trade agreement in June, the two countries have been able to make the most of each side’s existing strengths.

He said believes the two-way trade between Vietnam and Germany will hit 6.5 billion USD this year and exceed 10 billion USD by 2015.

The same day, the VGFA also hosted a get-together to celebrate the 22 nd National Day of Germany, the 37 th anniversary of the Vietnam – Germany diplomatic ties and the first anniversary of the two countries’ strategic partnership.-VNA