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| Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan and German Consul General Josefine Wallat at the celebration of the 34th Anniversary of German Unity Day. (Photo: SGGP) |
Speaking at the event, German Consul General Josefine Wallat noted that currently, more than 60% of Germany's electricity is generated from renewable energy sources. She emphasized that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident in Vietnam. With Germany’s expertise, technology and low-interest loans, the country is ready to support the energy transition that Vietnam has committed to.
Additionally, Ms. Josefine Wallat highlighted that free trade is a key concern for both Germany and Vietnam. Germany is Vietnam's largest European trade partner, and Germany looks forward to further expanding this bilateral trade relationship.
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Vo Van Hoan, praised Germany's position as Europe's economic powerhouse and a leading global financial center with advanced science and technology. He recognized Germany not only as an industrial leader but also as a model of sustainable development with green economic policies, advanced technology applications, and a strong focus on environmental protection.
Regarding the Vietnam-Germany relationship, Mr. Hoan noted that over the past 50 years, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have grown positively, effectively and comprehensively, achieving significant results in various areas, including political-diplomatic relations, trade, development cooperation, education and training, culture, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
The state visit by the President of Germany and his wife to Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, in January 2024, marked a historic milestone in bilateral relations, creating momentum to elevate the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership to new heights.
Mr. Vo Van Hoan stated that Ho Chi Minh City is at the forefront of the country in implementing cooperative activities with Germany. In 2023, the trade turnover between Ho Chi Minh City and Germany reached USD1.5 billion. Currently, Germany has 252 investment projects in the city, with a total registered capital of nearly USD380 million, ranking 14th out of 122 countries and territories investing in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City is home to significant bilateral projects, such as Metro Line No. 2, the German International School, the Vietnamese-German University, and especially the German House, a landmark project in Southeast Asia that symbolizes the strong friendship between the two nations./.