Hanoi, November 26, 2024 – The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam) hosted a grand gala dinner themed “Germany-Vietnam: Partnership for Prosperity” to celebrate key partnerships and acknowledge the vital role of the Vietnamese government in strengthening bilateral economic relations.
The event brought together a distinguished audience of over 130 guests, including German and Vietnamese government officials, business leaders, and representatives from various industries. Notable attendees included Ms. Helga Margarete Barth, German Ambassador to Vietnam, and Mr. Sven Schulze, Minister for Economy, Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry of Sachsen-Anhalt. Leaders from several Vietnamese ministries were also present, demonstrating their support for the strategic relationship between the two nations.
One of the evening’s key highlights was the recognition of the 20-year partnership between AHK Vietnam and the German state of Sachsen-Anhalt. Saxony-Anhalt and Vietnam share a strong partnership in workforce development and economic cooperation. The VIETHOGA project has trained over 600 Vietnamese trainees in hospitality, achieving a 92% success rate for job placements in Saxony-Anhalt. It is now expanding to industrial and craft sectors with added language training initiatives. Economic ties are growing, with Saxony-Anhalt’s exports to Vietnam at €28.3 million and imports reaching €72.7 million in 2023. AHK Vietnam is vital in bridging cultural and logistical gaps, supporting SMEs, and facilitating trade under the EU free trade agreement and the "China+1" strategy.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Peter Kompalla, Chief Representative of AHK Vietnam, emphasized the importance of deepening trust and collaboration to address future challenges and further strengthen the partnership. He stated, “As we look ahead, we see not only opportunities but also challenges on the horizon. Navigating them will require an even deeper level of collaboration and trust. Our commitment is stronger than ever. It is our passion and our mission to foster these connections, open doors, and ensure that German companies succeed here in Vietnam – just as we work to help Vietnamese companies thrive in Europe.”
The event also featured the unveiling of AHK Vietnam’s new logo. This refreshed identity incorporates a Vietnamese lotus intertwined with the German flag, symbolizing the harmonious partnership and shared values of the two nations. The logo represents AHK Vietnam’s dedication to sustainable development and its vision of fostering dynamic collaborations in the years to come.
Throughout the evening, speeches from distinguished guests highlighted the progress achieved through German-Vietnamese partnerships. Ms. Helga Margarete Barth, German Ambassador to Vietnam, addressed the importance of the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, envisioning continued collaboration for a sustainable and prosperous future. Mr. Sven Schulze, representing Sachsen-Anhalt, emphasized the state’s continuation of the work with new momentum and with a view to the growing (geopolitical) challenges to expand close cooperation for the benefit of both sides.
The gala also served as a platform to discuss future collaboration. With a focus on emerging sectors such as green technology, vocational training, and smart infrastructure, the event underscored the shared vision of both nations for achieving economic growth that is inclusive and environmentally conscious.
This celebration reaffirmed the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Germany and Vietnam. By honoring key collaborators and highlighting future opportunities, the gala reinforced AHK Vietnam’s role as a bridge-builder, dedicated to fostering mutual prosperity for both nations.
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