Current events: A vote of confidence for Vietnam

Germany's completion of the ratification process for the Vietnam-European Union Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in the year marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries has become a symbolic milestone, signifying the level of bilateral political and economic trust, affirming a significant legal step as well as profound strategic significance in Vietnam-Germany relations in particular and Vietnam-EU relations in general.

Processing pangasius for export at Can Tho Seafood Import-Export Joint Stock Company. Photo: Danh Lam/TTXVN

In the context of a volatile global economy , Germany's decision is seen as a clear affirmation of its growing confidence in Vietnam's investment environment, governance capacity, and long-term development orientation. More than just a legal step within the framework of Vietnam-EU relations, the EVIPA in Germany is also perceived as a clear policy statement: Vietnam has been and continues to be a long-term strategic investment partner of Europe's largest economy.

EVIPA is one of the new generation investment protection agreements, setting high standards for transparency, investor protection, dispute resolution, and the responsibility of the host state. Germany's ratification of this agreement, by Europe's largest economy and a leading influential country within the EU, demonstrates that Vietnam has met the stringent standards set by European partners for a strategic investment destination.

According to observers, this event reflects Vietnam's persistent and consistent reform process over the past years. From perfecting the legal framework on investment, businesses, and land, to enhancing transparency, reforming administrative procedures, and ensuring the legitimate rights of foreign investors, Vietnam has gradually built the image of an open, stable, and highly predictable economy. These are key factors that help Vietnam build trust with partners like Germany.

Many international economic experts believe that Germany's ratification of the EVIPA carries a message that goes beyond purely trade and investment. Dr. Oliver Massmann, General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam, commented that this is a "strong political signal" showing that Germany has correctly recognized Vietnam's strategic role in Southeast Asia. According to him, Vietnam is currently one of the few countries in the region that possesses all the elements to become a new manufacturing, technology, and supply chain hub for Europe in the context of global economic restructuring.

From a business perspective, EVIPA is expected to create a "safe legal framework" for long-term capital flows from Germany into Vietnam. German corporations, known for their cautious investment approach, often prioritize markets with clear protectionist frameworks, transparent dispute resolution mechanisms, and long-term policy stability. EVIPA fully meets these requirements, thereby paving the way for large-scale investment projects in high-tech, renewable energy, infrastructure, finance, and processing industries.

Analysts also believe that the ratification of EVIPA, taking place in the year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany, further highlights the symbolic significance of the event. This is not only the culmination of half a century of building bilateral relations, but also an important preparatory step for a new, deeper, and more substantive phase of cooperation.

For Vietnam, EVIPA is both an opportunity and a commitment. The agreement sets higher standards for governance, environmental protection, social responsibility, and the rule of law, requiring Vietnam to continue its reform efforts to realize the signed commitments. However, this positive pressure also serves as a driving force for Vietnam to upgrade its institutions, improve the quality of growth, and attract more selective and sustainable investment flows.

In the context of the EU seeking reliable partners in the Asia-Pacific region to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on a few traditional markets, Vietnam has emerged as a strategic choice. Germany's ratification of the EVIPA is therefore seen as a "vote of confidence" for Vietnam, affirming that this Southeast Asian nation is not only an attractive investment destination but also a reliable long-term partner.

From a strategic perspective, EVIPA, along with the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EU (EVFTA), is creating a comprehensive cooperation framework, helping Vietnam-Germany and Vietnam-EU relations move from the "exploring potential" stage to "deep cooperation". This is an important step in Vietnam's international integration journey and demonstrates that Vietnam is gradually asserting its position in the new global economic order.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/theo-dong-thoi-su-la-phieu-tin-nhiem-cho-viet-nam-20251224084730368.htm