Viet Nam, Germany expect to upgrade energy dialogue to energy partnership

Both sides expressed their wish at the second meeting of the Viet Nam-Germany Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation in Berlin on February 23.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Udo Philipp.

The German side expected to participate in projects in energy, healthcare and digitalization through the exchange of experience and technological transfer.

Both sides reaffirmed their strong bilateral relationship, demonstrated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Viet Nam visit, during which a number of new agreements were signed, including a Memorandum of Understanding on energy transition, labor and vocational training.

In the fields of industry and digital transformation, the two sides looked to strengthen cooperation in automobile production; and agreed to encourage German companies to seek component and spare part suppliers in Viet Nam and invest in supporting industries in other fields such as textile, leather and footwear, electronics and high-tech manufacturing. 

Both sides discussed the possibility to accelerate the issuance of working visas for German employees in Viet Nam in a bid to create favorable conditions for German companies to do business in the country.

Viet Nam suggested that Germany ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and create favorable ways for Vietnamese farm produce and aquatic exports to enter the German market.

The next meeting is expected to be held in Viet Nam in early 2025, or may be earlier if agreed by both parties./.