The conference is part of the “Germany Year in Vietnam” to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and this conference will contribute greatly to enhancing bilateral economic ties, said German Ambassador to Vietnam Rolf Schulze.

Schulze also 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 modernise its infrastructure, protect its environment, use alternative energies and upgrade its healthcare sector.

The 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.

The minister 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 changes.

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 discover more opportunities to cooperate with Vietnam and will present new and effective solutions to help Vietnam deal with climate change at the conference./.

(VietnamPlus)