More than 200 delegates from Vietnamese and German agencies and businesses gathered in Ho Chi Minh City on April 21 for the first Germany-Vietnam economic conference on climate change and energy. The conference was part of the “Germany Year in Vietnam” to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. It aimed to enhance bilateral economic ties, said German Ambassador to Vietnam Rolf Schulze. Schulze read out a statement from former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who had planned to chair the conference but could not attend due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Schroeder said in his statement that Vietnam is an ideal and important partner for Germany, who has strengths that can assist Vietnam to modernize its infrastructure, protect its environment, use alternative energies and upgrade its healthcare sector. Minister of Trade and Industry, Vu Huy Hoang, welcomed the initiative by German businesses to hold such a conference, saying that both parties can help each other to overcome future difficulties and challenges. Hoang briefed the conference on Vietnam’s economy and highlighted Germany’s links with Vietnam in investment, trade and ODA projects. Several representatives from the municipal People’s Committee, Siemens AG, EuroCham and the Metro Group stressed on the need to use effective, clean and alternative energies and models of sustainable production to overcome global climate change. They also discussed the business prospects for German and European companies in Vietnam, particularly in climate change and energy. German and other European businesses are expected to seek opportunities to cooperate with Vietnam and want to help Vietnam deal with climate change.
