Fifty years of Vietnam - Germany cooperation: Achievements and prospects

Member of the Political Bureau, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank Walter Steinmeier in Hanoi, January 24, 2024_Source: nhandan.vn

Imprints of Vietnam - Germany diplomatic relations

In 1957, President Ho Chi Minh 's visit to the German Democratic Republic marked an important milestone, laying the foundation for a deep friendship between the two countries. Historically, despite different circumstances, Vietnam and Germany have always understood and supported each other. When the Vietnamese people waged a resistance war to protect the country's independence and freedom, in the distant European continent, German friends always showed their support for Vietnam.

After Vietnam's reunification in 1975, Vietnam and Germany officially established diplomatic relations. During this period, Germany supported Vietnam in agricultural projects and labor export cooperation. When Germany was reunified in 1990, the relationship between the two countries changed dramatically with the signing of many important agreements such as the Cultural Cooperation Agreement (1990), the Investment Protection Agreement (1993), and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (1996), creating a comprehensive cooperation framework.

In 2011, during German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Vietnam, Vietnam-Germany relations entered a new stage of development with the signing of the Hanoi Joint Statement on “Vietnam and Germany – Strategic Partnership for the Future”. The strategic partnership focuses on vocational training, environment and energy, with investment flows from Germany constantly increasing.

After the official visit to Vietnam by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (November 2022), the strategic partnership between the two countries has made many new strides, including the successful implementation of action plans to implement the strategic partnership in each phase and the signing of the Action Plan to implement the Strategic Partnership for the 2023-2025 period, the signing and implementation of a number of new cooperation frameworks such as the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation, ... as well as active exchanges of delegations at all levels.

Deep and substantive cooperation

After half a century, the Vietnam - Germany strategic partnership has been continuously consolidated and developed comprehensively, increasingly in-depth and substantive, recording outstanding achievements on both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Based on mutual understanding, trust and respect, the relationship The political and diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany have developed strongly over the 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations and 14 years of strategic partnership. The highlight of the Vietnam - Germany relationship is the solid foundation, sharing common values of peace, international cooperation and resolving conflicts by peaceful means, based on international law. These are the core values that both countries put first. Mutual trust has been strengthened through visits between Vietnamese and German leaders in recent years. Typically, the visit to Vietnam by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (in 2022) and the State visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (in 2024).

The two countries also strengthen cooperation through party channels. The Communist Party of Vietnam has good relations with major German political parties such as the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), the Left Party (Die Linke) and the Communist Party (DKP), with a focus on cooperation on multilateral diplomacy, climate change response, and socio-economic development.

The two countries maintain high-level meetings and cooperation at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Germany and ASEAN - European Union (EU), sharing views on the international order based on rules and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Germany always appreciates Vietnam's role in the region and the world, and supports Vietnam's reform path.

Economic relations between Vietnam and Germany are an important pillar of the strategic partnership. Germany is Vietnam's leading trading partner in Europe and vice versa, Vietnam is also Germany's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and the 6th largest partner in Asia, with two-way trade turnover increasing steadily by over 10% annually in recent years . In 2023, the trade turnover between the two countries will reach approximately 12 billion USD, tripling in the past 10 years. Germany has actively contributed to the ratification of the Vietnam - European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Thereby, helping to increase the export of Vietnamese goods to Germany (such as agricultural products: coffee increased by 45.7%, pepper increased by 151.8%, rubber increased by 83.43%...).

In terms of investment, with Vietnam's increasing geopolitical position in the Asia-Pacific region, a dynamic economy, and a young workforce, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for investment and business expansion. By the end of 2023, Germany ranked 17th out of 146 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 463 projects and a total registered capital of 2.68 billion USD, concentrated in provinces and cities with developed infrastructure such as Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and Hanoi. To date, 530 German enterprises have been operating in Vietnam, including large German corporations such as Siemens, Bosch and Deutsche Bank, along with typical projects such as the Thanh Hoa Solar Power Plant and the Industrial Gas Separation Plant in Quang Ngai province. In 2024, Germany continued to increase investment with 472 valid projects, total registered capital of 2.76 billion USD, marking stable growth.

Germany is one of the largest ODA donors to Vietnam, focusing on the fields of energy, vocational training linked to sustainable development and environmental policy. Germany has committed to providing Vietnam with non-refundable aid of 61 million euros for the 2024-2025 period.

In terms of finance and currency, Vietnam and Germany maintain a sustainable financial cooperation relationship with significant support from the German Government through projects on macroeconomic reform, finance - banking and green development. The 2014 - 2015 financial cooperation agreement was signed by the two countries with a commitment of nearly 370 million euros to improve infrastructure, protect the environment and improve social life. In the context of Vietnam facing the challenges of climate change, Germany actively supports Vietnam in implementing its commitments within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), helping Vietnam achieve its sustainable development goals and net zero emissions by 2050.

The cultural and social cooperation between Vietnam and Germany has a long history, starting in 1955, with a special bridge formed by the community of nearly 200,000 Vietnamese people in Germany and about 100,000 people in Vietnam who know German. The cultural cooperation agreement since 1990 has laid the foundation for artistic exchanges, language research and the preservation of Vietnamese cultural heritage, with typical projects such as the restoration of An Dinh Palace and Phung Tien Palace funded by Germany. Cultural centers such as the Goethe Institute and the German House in Ho Chi Minh City have contributed to strengthening bilateral understanding.

Through organizations such as the Vietnam - Germany Friendship Association, the German - Vietnamese Association and the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Germany, the Vietnamese community in Germany promotes meaningful cultural, educational and economic activities, creating solidarity and integration. The two countries regularly organize cultural exchange events, such as art performances, culinary exhibitions, and cultural promotion programs, contributing to strengthening friendship and building a sustainable foundation for bilateral relations.

Labor cooperation between Vietnam and Germany is an important area, reflecting the deep economic, cultural and social connections between the two countries. While Germany is facing a labor shortage due to a low birth rate and an aging population, especially in sectors such as nursing, construction and mechanics, Vietnam has a young, abundant workforce that is ready to integrate. In 2011, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Vietnam (now the Ministry of the Interior) and the German Federal Labor Agency (BA), aiming at programs to select and train Vietnamese workers to work in Germany, especially in the fields of nursing and high-tech industries and occupations. The “Triple Win” project from 2019 and the “Hand in hand for international talents” program from 2022 have expanded job opportunities for Vietnamese workers in Germany. In 2024, the Migrant Labor Cooperation Agreement was signed by the two countries, continuing to affirm the two countries' deep interest in the labor sector, while promoting human resource development and international economic integration.

The German Embassy in Hanoi and the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City in coordination with the People's Committee of Dong Nai province organized the program "German Career Coach" to connect and provide career counseling for Dong Nai students about opportunities to study and work in Germany_Photo: VNA

The educational and training cooperation between Vietnam and Germany has achieved remarkable results. German educational and training organizations present in Vietnam such as the Vietnam-Germany Center (VDZ), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Language Education Abroad Committee (ZfA), the Vietnam-Germany University (VGU), and the German International School in Ho Chi Minh City (IGS) not only support German language teaching and academic exchange, but also promote scientific research and develop high-quality human resources. In particular, DAAD makes great contributions to providing scholarships and improving language skills, while VGU and IGS provide international standard training programs and promote German culture. Educational cooperation brings mutual benefits, helping Vietnam improve the quality of training and international integration, while expanding Germany's cultural and educational influence in Southeast Asia. Organizations such as the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation (KAS) and the Hanns Seidel Institute (HSS) implement sustainable development and climate change adaptation programs, contributing to the training of high-quality human resources. Currently, there are about 7,500 Vietnamese students studying in Germany, contributing to strengthening bilateral relations and making positive contributions to German society.

Scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and Germany plays an important role in the socio-economic development of Vietnam. Before 1995, cooperation in this field mainly focused on training and improving research qualifications through German support funds such as DAAD, Alexander & Humboldt. In 1997, the Scientific Research Cooperation Protocol between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Research of Germany created a legal basis for enhancing cooperation. Accordingly, the two countries regularly exchange information, organize seminars and implement joint projects, especially in the fields of marine research, water treatment technology and environment. In addition, dialogue activities, seminars and exhibitions are regularly organized to connect businesses and research institutes of the two countries. Scientific and technological cooperation not only benefits Vietnam and Germany, but also contributes to global sustainable development goals, affirming Germany's important position in innovation in Vietnam.

Regarding environment and sustainable development , since 2020, the German Government has identified Vietnam as a “global partner” in its Development Cooperation Strategy to 2030, with a focus on cooperation in training, sustainable growth, climate and energy, environment and natural resources, and pandemic prevention and control. Germany has committed to providing Vietnam with more than 143.5 million euros in ODA in the 2022-2023 period, implementing 78 projects on climate change and biodiversity, including the project “Supporting Vietnam to implement the Paris Agreement” (VN-SIPA).

Medical and pharmaceutical cooperation between Vietnam and Germany has achieved many results in health care, pharmaceutical research, human resource training and technology transfer. Typical cooperation activities such as the Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, cooperation between Military Hospital 175 and German partners, the Provincial Health System Strengthening Project (2009 - 2016) have contributed to improving infrastructure, medical capacity and health care quality in Vietnam. Germany supports Vietnam in the fields of telemedicine, medical waste treatment and expert exchange, and also implements training programs for Vietnamese nurses to work in Germany. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have maintained close cooperation through flexible forms. Germany has supported Vietnam with more than 12.5 million doses of vaccines and medical equipment, while Vietnam has provided medical supplies.

Defense and security cooperation has made remarkable progress, becoming a key and important pillar in the strategic partnership between the two countries, especially in the context of increasing geopolitical challenges globally and regionally. In 2003, Vietnam sent a permanent Defense Attaché to Berlin; in 2019, Germany officially sent a permanent Defense Attaché to Vietnam, creating conditions to enhance the exchange of delegations, experts, students and sharing of experiences in participating in United Nations peacekeeping. Notably, in January 2022, the FGS Bayern frigate with more than 200 members of the German Navy docked in Vietnam for the first time, marking a new step forward in bilateral defense cooperation. In November 2022, the two countries' Defense Ministries signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement, establishing a comprehensive cooperation framework on delegation exchanges, strategy sharing, training, military medicine and peacekeeping. This agreement contributes to improving the effectiveness of defense cooperation and strengthening the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership.

Judicial and legal cooperation between Vietnam and Germany began in 1996 and was strengthened through the Joint Statement in 2008. On this basis, the two countries have implemented the Rule of Law Dialogue Programs in many stages, most recently in the 2022-2025 period, with workshops, discussions, research and surveys, contributing to the improvement of Vietnamese law in the fields of civil, criminal, administrative and judicial affairs. In April 2024, during the visit to Germany by the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice delegation, the leaders of the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation, especially in improving the capacity of legal staff, training judicial professionals, and digital transformation in judicial activities, towards enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of bilateral relations.

With more than 200,000 people living, studying, and successfully integrating into all aspects of social life in the host country, the Vietnamese community in Germany increasingly developing strongly, contributing to creating a bridge between the two peoples in many fields, including economy, culture and education. The Vietnamese community here not only strives to preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural values, enriching and enriching the diverse culture of Germany, but also actively participates in German social, economic and cultural activities, contributing to enriching and deepening the relationship between the two countries. The solidarity, development and role of the Vietnamese community are affirmed by the establishment of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Germany in December 2023. The Union of Associations is a common home, a common voice of all Vietnamese people across Germany at the federal level.

Develop and expand cooperation potential

Vietnam-Germany cooperation has achieved many remarkable achievements in recent years, however, there is still a lot of room for development. In terms of economy, trade relations between Vietnam and Germany have great potential for strong development in the coming time if Vietnam more effectively implements the opportunity to access the German market, especially in the fields of agricultural products, textiles and electronics through the EVFTA. Conversely, German enterprises can take advantage of the favorable investment environment in Vietnam to expand production and business activities. In addition, Vietnam and Germany can promote investment cooperation in new fields such as digital economy, e-commerce, logistics, etc. In terms of culture and society, Vietnam and Germany strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism and implement initiatives to promote sustainable tourism. Education and training cooperation between the two countries can expand vocational training cooperation programs, especially in key industries such as mechanics, electronics and information technology; Focus on expanding and perfecting high-quality vocational training programs, combining theory and practice. Vietnam and Germany consider increasing student and postgraduate exchange programs; and scholarship programs for Vietnamese people to study and conduct research in Germany.

In terms of science, technology and innovation, Vietnam and Germany have many prospects for developing cooperative relations, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Vietnam has great opportunities to develop the semiconductor and AI industries, especially with its abundant, well-trained young human resources. Therefore, Vietnam needs to take advantage of cooperation opportunities with Germany - a country with an advanced science and technology foundation - on the basis of mutual benefit.

Vietnam and Germany are strongly committed to environmental protection and sustainable development; promoting projects on renewable energy, water resources management and biodiversity protection. The two countries are studying to implement many mechanisms and initiatives to cooperate more effectively and substantially in this field.

Prospects for cooperation between Vietnam and Germany in the field medicine and pharmacy, especially in medical research, pharmaceutical development and medical technology application. Opportunities for cooperation in human resource training, especially in-depth training for medical staff and nurses, will help improve the quality of human resources in Vietnam. At the same time, improving medical infrastructure and access to advanced medical technology will contribute to improving the efficiency of health care in both countries.

Vietnam - Germany administrative and judicial cooperation There is still room for improvement in the areas of administrative reform and judicial staff training. At the same time, cooperation programs in the judicial field will help Vietnam improve its legal system and enhance its law enforcement capacity.

It can be seen that in the context of the world undergoing many fluctuations, the global geopolitical picture is increasingly unpredictable and facing many instabilities and challenges as it is today, strengthening cooperation and sustainable development is a key factor for the development of countries. Therefore, the 50-year history of Vietnam - Germany cooperation is a solid foundation for the two countries to continue to exploit the potential for cooperation in various fields on the basis of actively implementing the following contents:

Firstly, increase contacts and exchanges of delegations at all levels, through all channels of the Party, State, National Assembly and people-to-people exchanges; continue to maintain existing cooperation mechanisms. Organizing visits and meetings between high-ranking leaders of the two countries aims to strengthen trust and promote bilateral cooperation. Thereby, the two countries increase the exchange of views on international and regional issues, which is an opportunity to discuss the strategies and policies of both sides, resolve difficulties and obstacles, seek new cooperation opportunities, and discuss specific cooperation projects.

In addition, maintaining and establishing regular dialogue mechanisms and periodic dialogue forums at all levels helps to review and evaluate the progress of implementing agreements, and seek solutions to existing problems. Currently, Vietnam and Germany have implemented a number of regular dialogue mechanisms with good results, such as the dialogue between the Communist Party of Vietnam and a number of German parties, and dialogue between ministries, branches and agencies of the two countries. In the coming time, the two countries need to establish new dialogue mechanisms to adapt to the rapid changes in the world situation; at the same time, maintain and promote the existing dialogue mechanisms between the two countries to become more in-depth, substantive and effective.

Second, strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums . As active members of many international and regional organizations, the two countries continue to coordinate closely at multilateral forums to cooperate in solving global challenges, as well as maintaining peace, security and sustainable development. In particular, Vietnam and Germany promote new initiatives to respond to complex changes in the world situation.

Third, promote cooperation in areas with strong development potential such as information technology, artificial intelligence, digital economy, green economy, circular economy, etc. to meet the increasing needs of modern society. In particular, Germany has strengths in technology, education and vocational training, bringing cooperation opportunities to help Vietnam improve the quality of human resources and competitiveness. The two countries should consider implementing vocational training programs according to Germany's dual training model, new technology research projects, as well as exchanging experts, students and research in the fields of science - technology, environment, health and education. Vietnam needs to build appropriate mechanisms to attract German enterprises to transfer technology, creating conditions for Vietnamese enterprises, organizations and workers to access advanced standards and techniques.

Fourth, promote business connections between the two countries . Businesses play a key role in realizing agreements and cooperation goals between Vietnam and Germany. The two countries increase the organization of business forums, trade fairs, and bilateral investment promotion events to create opportunities for business connections. Authorities establish specialized information channels to support businesses on both sides in accessing information about markets, partners, and investment opportunities, maximizing the potential and advantages of each side. In particular, encourage German businesses to invest in strategic areas in Vietnam, while supporting Vietnamese businesses to expand their markets in Germany.

Concentrate perfecting institutions and proposing measures to support businesses. Continuing administrative reform, simplifying legal procedures and ensuring transparency in regulations related to investment and business. This helps reduce costs and time for German businesses, creating a more favorable and competitive business environment. The Government continues to review and adjust investment incentive policies in line with Germany's strengths, especially in the fields of high technology, renewable energy and vocational training. At the same time, establishing regular dialogue channels between businesses and management agencies to promptly resolve problems and protect investors' rights.

Fifth, promote the signing and utilization of trade and investment agreements and cooperation agreements in many other fields. Vietnam and Germany promote the signing of new agreements and optimize the implementation of existing agreements to promote bilateral cooperation. The EVFTA has created an important foundation for trade cooperation, so Vietnam is actively lobbying the German Government to soon ratify the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), opening up more opportunities for Vietnam - Germany investment cooperation.

Sixth, promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Culture and people-to-people exchanges are important bridges to help strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries. Vietnam and Germany need to increase the organization of cultural events, festivals, exhibitions and art exchange programs to introduce the cultural identity of each country.

Organize programs to meet, visit and contact Vietnamese expatriates in Germany and Vietnamese associations in Germany to convey information about the development of Vietnam, encourage overseas Vietnamese living and working in the host country to always turn their attention to their homeland. Focus on coordinating with the German government to protect the legitimate rights of Vietnamese people in order to build a strong, united and prosperous community./.

Source: https://tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/quoc-phong-an-ninh-oi-ngoai1/-/2018/1094702/nam-muoi-nam-quan-he-hop-tac-viet-nam---duc--thanh-tuu-va-trien-vong.aspx