Cooperative relations between Vietnam and Germany are growing steadily across a variety of fields, said National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan during a reception in Hanoi on November 12 for President of Germany’s Hessen State Parliament Boris Rhein.

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R)
and President of Germany’s Hessen State Parliament Boris Rhein. 

Vietnam always sees Germany as an important partner and the country greatly values ties with German states, including Hessen, Ngan said, while highlighting the ties as a new and effective model of cooperative relations that needs to be further boosted in the time to come.

The Vietnamese NA always supports the enhancement of the relations between Vietnam and Germany, as well as between the two law-making bodies.

The top Vietnamese legislator applauded the position and strength of Hessen state – one of the leading economic, financial and education hubs in Germany and Europe, adding that there is plenty of room for the two sides to foster ties.

The trade turnover between Vietnam and Hessen is estimated to stand at roughly US$1 billion, accounting for 1/8 of the bilateral trade between both nations.  Investment and business operations run by many major Hessen State enterprises have been successful in Vietnam. Besides, Vietnam wishes to promote the cooperation between the State's small and medium enterprises and their Vietnamese counterparts, Ngan said.

Vietnam welcomes Hessen investment in areas of the country’s demand and the state’s strength such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, support industry, farm produce processing, and natural rubber production, Ngan told her host.

The Vietnamese NA has promulgated laws to offer favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from Germany, she said.

The Vietnamese NA leader also asked the Hessen parliament leader and Hessen authorities to provide all possible support for Vietnamese enterprises operating in the state.

For his part, Rhein affirmed that his state is appreciative of direct collaboration with Vietnam, noting that as Vietnam will perform its role as ASEAN Chair and Germany holds EU presidency next year, both countries need to push for closer and more effective partnership. He voiced his hope that the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU will be adopted soon.

Hessen state is set to hold celebrations of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam – Germany diplomatic ties next year, he said while stating Germany highly rates Vietnam’s economic reform progress and considers the country an important economic partner. He also expressed wish to boost ties between the two countries’ businesses.

Hessen state desires to go ahead with its continued support for the Vietnamese – German University because students of the university will serve as a bridge connecting Vietnam to Germany as well as the state, he said.