Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (center) at the reception for German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier in Hanoi on March 25, 2019 (Source: VNA)

During a reception for Altmaier in Hanoi on March 25, PM Phuc suggested that Germany strengthen investment cooperation with Vietnam, especially in infrastructure and energy development projects, as well as university-level education. 

The two sides need to focus on measures to promote the two-way trade turnover on the basis of their potential, he said, adding that Vietnam hopes Germany will officially sign and adopt the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). 

He thanked the German government’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, while appreciating the cooperation between German states and Vietnamese localities alongside the European country’s loosening of legal conditions for receiving Vietnamese workers to work in Germany.

Altmaier highlighted the potential for the two countries to expand their cooperation, adding that Germany wishes to enhance its friendship with Vietnam. He hoped the two sides will continue to work closely in order to speed up the progress of the Metro No.2 project in Ho Chi Minh City.

Germany wants to develop artificial intelligence, digitization, and startups in Vietnam, he said, affirming that Germany is willing to invite Vietnamese firms to join Germany’s SME renovation program. 

Altmaier stressed that Germany is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in renewable  energy development and education and training.