News

News

Event on June 5, 2024

On June 5th, the GBA convened its monthly meeting at Le Méridien Saigon, drawing 62 attendees. Chaired by GBA Board members Dr. Oliver Massmann and Mr. Johannes Klausch, the session focused on Vietnam’s Data Protection Laws. Insights on the Personal Data Protection Decree (PDPD) and its implications for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) were shared, drawing comparisons with the EU’s GDPR. The meeting also marked the farewell of Mr. Klausch, acknowledging his contributions to the GBA and German business relations in Southeast Asia.

Job Fair Event at VGU on June 5, 2024

April 26th. ANG Office Grand Opening

Event on April 8, 2024

On April 8, 2024, the German Business Association (GBA) held its monthly meeting at Sofitel Plaza Saigon, attracting 70 attendees. The session, led by GBA Vice-Chairwoman Ms. Minh Nguyen and Vice-Chairman Mr. Torben Minko, featured German Ambassador to Vietnam, Dr. Guido Hildner, and EuroCham Vietnam Chairman, Mr. Dominik Meichle, as keynote speakers.

The meeting’s theme “Embark on Vietnam’s Dynamic 2024: Explore Civic Vibrancy & Advocacy Trends” sparked a lively discussion. Participants delved into Vietnam’s political landscape, examining strategies for business growth and success in the country’s evolving markets. The speakers shared insights on international relations and strategic partnerships influencing Vietnam’s business environment.

Mr. Meichle highlighted EuroCham Vietnam’s main goals for 2024: to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), expanding regional outreach, advancing advocacy efforts, and being driven by data. Leading the advocacy for #TeamEurope, EuroCham Vietnam commits to supporting all sector committees – beyond just those related to environmental concerns – through regular dialogues with policymakers. Challenges are professionally articulated in writing, advocacy priorities are monitored, and achievements are communicated.

Ambassador Hildner concentrated on the energy transition and labor migration as pivotal elements of German-Vietnamese relations. He highlighted Vietnam’s significant role in spearheading the energy sector’s shift towards renewable sources, bolstered by the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with Germany.

The meeting also underscored Vietnam’s significance in supplying skilled labor to Germany, a topic highlighted during Federal President Frank Walter Steinmeier’s visit in January 2024. The successful integration of Vietnamese jobseekers into the German labor market was celebrated, with over 4000 work visas issued in 2023 alone, and plans for further visa facilitation were discussed.

The GBA board and members also welcomed Mr. Peter Kompalla as the new Chief Representative of the German Industry and Commerce Delegation in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos from April 1, 2024. Mr. Kompalla highlighted the importance of collaboration between GBA and AHK Vietnam to enhance bilateral trade relations and develop effective strategies for the future.

The GBA expressed our appreciation to the speakers and participants for making the meeting a resounding success and looks forward to future gatherings that will continue to inspire the community in Vietnam.

Meeting March 29, 2024

2nd followup meeting with Peoples Commity in Dong Nai for finelizing the process to have CLX implemented on map VIII to be a electric power provider.

March 28th, 2024

Vietnam - Germany Business Forum: Collaborative Pathways to Green Growth in Ho Chi Minh City

Event Details

The National Assembly’s Resolution No.98/2023/QH15, effective from August 1, 2023, initiates a pilot for unique development policies in Ho Chi Minh City, enhancing investment opportunities, especially in green growth and innovation. Additionally, at COP26, Vietnam pledged to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

In this context, European countries, especially the Federal Republic of Germany, are at the forefront of global economic development in green growth, achieving significant success in environmental protection and sustainable development.

With the aim of expanding access opportunities, updating the investment environment, and introducing new development mechanisms of Ho Chi Minh City to German investors, the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC)​ in coordination with the German Business Association (GBA)​ and the United Overseas Bank (UOB)​ will host the Vietnam-Germany Business Forum, focusing on green growth collaboration.

Speakers

Alexander Ziehe

Chairman at German Business Association (GBA)

Erick Contreras

Chairman of EuroCham Green Growth Sector Committee and Managing Director of BASF Vietnam

Mathias G. Kothe

Founder & Managing Director of Syntera Solar International AG

Vu Minh Quang

Enterprise Solution Director of FPT Information System Corporati

Current Waste to Energy (WtE) Markets & Trends in Vietnam

Waste-to-energy production is becoming a useful solution in the world, In Vietnam, a country with a numerous population and growing economy, solid waste management has become a serious issue, attracting the attention of the local government and businesses. Environmental issues and demand for land in urban areas also lead to an urgent need for the waste-to-energy solution, thus helping to ensure energy security.

Statistics showed that about 5,400 tonnes of solid waste discharged from households in Hanoi each day, while the figure in Ho Chi Minh City reaches8,300 tonnes per day.

However, up to 90 percent of solid waste in Hanoi and 76 percent in HCM City are buried. The rest is burned, recycled or converted into organic fertilizer.

Temporary landfill sites are already overloaded, and the environment will be seriously affected unless advanced technologies are applied. The waste from industrial, agricultural, forestry and livestock production is treated and used rationally for the energy purpose.

To improve the percentage of livestock waste treatment for energy purpose from around 5% in 2015 to around 10% by 2020, around 50% by 2030, most livestock waste shall be treated by 2050.

To increase the percentage of livestock waste treatment for energy purpose from the negligible rate for the time being to 30% by2020, round 70% by2030 and most of it is utilized for energy purpose by 2050.

Event of March 19th

Following a productive session with the Binh Duong People’s Committee on the morning of March 19, the German delegates proceeded to explore the Binh Duong Industrial Park, managed by Frasers Property Vietnam. This visit was designed to acquaint GBA members with the vibrant industrial zones within Binh Duong.

GBA Event HCMC, March 4, 2024

HCMC, March 4, 2024 – The inaugural GBA Monthly Business Meeting of the year was held at Park Hyatt Saigon, boasting an unprecedented turnout of over 100 attendees. The event was presided over by GBA Chairman Mr. Alexander Ziehe alongside three distinguished keynote speakers: Mr. Huynh Buu Quang, Country Chief Officer of Deutsche Bank Vietnam; Mr. Micah Shepard, Regional President & CEO Asia of Schaeffler; and Mr. Minh Nguyen, Partner & Head of Advisory Services at Mazars Vietnam.

These industry vanguards provided a comprehensive overview of the Macro-Economic Outlook for Vietnam in 2024, along with in-depth analyses and best practices pertaining to Vietnam’s role within ASEAN, encapsulated in the following topics:

Meeting December 5, 2023

Introduction of the ANG’s Project to the Peoples Committee in Dong Nai supported by the German Consulate represented by the represented Vice Consul Mr. Christopher Scholl