German Ambassador to Vietnam Helga Margarete Barth addresses the event
Speaking at the event, German Ambassador to Vietnam Helga Margarete Barth laid stress on the crucial role of citizen diplomacy in bolstering bilateral cooperation across multiple fields, particularly in trade, tourism, and culture.
She noted that Germany remains a key source of international visitors to Vietnam, with more than 250,000 German travelers arriving in the country last year, second only to France among European nations. Meanwhile, over 200,000 Vietnamese nationals are currently living in Germany, further strengthening ties between the two countries.
Regarding economic and investment collaboration, the ambassador highlighted Vietnam’s ongoing integration efforts, which have opened up significant opportunities for bilateral trade and development. Germany has invested over US$3.6 billion in Vietnam, with more than 530 German businesses operating successfully in the market, creating 50,000 jobs. However, she also urged for simplified administrative procedures, particularly in granting investment licenses, to facilitate German enterprises' future operations.
Bilateral trade relations have seen positive growth, especially since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect in 2020, boosting trade turnover to EUR8.8 billion in 2024. The trade balance continues to favor Vietnam, with an increasing number of Vietnamese products making their way to Germany and the broader EU market.
However, the ambassador underscored the importance of Vietnam’s green transition, urging local businesses to adopt renewable and clean energy solutions to meet the EU’s strict environmental and sustainability standards.
A year-long celebration of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic ties
To mark this milestone, the German Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with German intermediary organizations in Vietnam, have planned a wide-ranging program aimed at showcasing German culture while deepening bilateral ties.
The celebration will kick off with the “Berlin Shines” gala concert, set to take place in Hanoi on February 21 and in Ho Chi Minh City on February 28, featuring internationally acclaimed soprano Katharine Mehrling. The same month will also witness the signing of a cooperation agreement between Germany’s Bundesliga and the Vietnam Football Federation, marking the first football partnership between the two countries.
The German Embassy also plans to host career fairs in Hanoi (April 26) and Ho Chi Minh City (June and November), along with a nationwide Career Bus program aimed at providing young Vietnamese with guidance on studying, working, and living in Germany.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the German Festival will take place from September 19 to 21 at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, offering visitors a chance to experience German cuisine and culture. Additionally, a series of online and physical exhibitions will highlight the contributions of prominent Vietnamese-Germans, with features displayed on the outer wall of the German Embassy.
