Hamburg ready to share experience in maritime economic development

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc meets with Peter Tschenscher, the First Mayor of Hamburg. (Source: VNA)

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc congratulated Hamburg on successfully organizing the HSC and expressed his gratitude to the Hamburg authorities and other German regions for donating 190,000 COVID-19 rapid test kits to Vietnam in 2021.

Reaffirming that Vietnam highly values strengthening its Strategic Partnership with Germany, the Deputy Prime Minister was pleased to note that, for nearly 50 years of diplomatic relations, Vietnam-Germany cooperation has been thriving across various fields and levels, not only between the federal government and Vietnam but also between German states and Vietnamese localities.

The Deputy Prime Minister proposed that Hamburg encourage partner connections and exchange delegations with Vietnamese provinces and cities that share similarities or complementary strengths to enhance collaboration. He also urged the Federal Parliament of Germany to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which would bring new momentum to trade and investment relations between the two countries.

The First Mayor of Hamburg agreed that the bilateral relationship is developing very positively, promising many opportunities for future cooperation. Considering Hamburg's advantage as a port city, he expressed the city's willingness to share its experience in maritime economic development. He also suggested both sides seize opportunities to boost economic cooperation and develop renewable energy, and he hoped that Vietnam would soon appoint an honorary consul in Hamburg.

Both sides were pleased to note the steady increase in cargo traffic between Vietnamese ports and the Port of Hamburg, with container volumes rising by 10-15% annually. They agreed that businesses from both countries should make the most of the benefits provided by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)./.