The effects of the "China+1" strategy are triggering more and more investors from German businesses looking to diversify their operations outside China. By offering the most competitive market entry incentives for foreign companies, the CLMV sub-region is emerging as a new preferable investment destination.

Our Regional Management Team is specifically responsible for the strategic orientation and operational business in CLM countries (Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar). We assist your business initiatives in this sub-region and solve challenges for you! Thanks to the knowledge of the local culture and contacts with various local stakeholders from the team, your entry into the market can be favored.

To gain key data on the economic development in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar and information on AHK’s services for your business success, kindly visit here>>>

For more requests or queries regarding the market in Laos, please reach out to us at email: regionCLM@vietnam.ahk.de

Cambodia has a young and dynamic population, a strategic location in the heart of ASEAN, a stable political environment, and preferential access to the EU market under the Everything But Arms scheme (EBA).

The diplomatic and economic relations between Cambodia and Germany are also strong and longstanding. Germany is one of Cambodia's main development partners and was Cambodia's 10th-largest export market and 14th-largest import source in 2021.

Our guest speakers:

• H.E. Stefan Messerer, Ambassador of Germany to Cambodia;
• Tassilo Brinzer, Chairman of EuroCham Cambodia;
• Marko Walde, Chief Representative of AHK Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

Tune in NOW on Spotify>>> or Apple Podcast>>>

For more podcast from us, please visit here>>>

On August 16, The AHK Delegation led by Mr. Marko Walde arrived in Laos with the primary objective of gaining comprehensive insights into the local economic environment and establishing notable connections with esteemed partners.

In terms of the trip, we sat down with EuroCham Laos to officially introduce AHK’s responsibilities in the CLMV Subregion. We also discussed the status of European business in Laos and future opportunities for collaboration between AHK and EuroCham Laos.

For more details and photos of the trip, please visit here>>>

On August 17, the AHK Delegation led by Mr. Marko Walde continued their schedule through a fruitful encounter and discussion with the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MoEM) of Laos and were honored to be welcomed by Deputy Minister, Madame Chansavart Minig Bounpha - Department of Pinioning and Cooperation.

Laos is the biggest energy exporter in ASEAN (mostly hydropower) with 91 energy plants. In terms of the energy industry here, some crucial highlights can be listed:

• Energy mix in Laos: 82% hydropower, 11% coal, 7% clean energy
• Currently, there is one German company supporting 2 water projects in Laos.
• Some German experts are also planning the first wind project with a capacity of 600MW in the south of the country.
• Besides, there are 300 companies interested in the mining sector.

On August 17, the AHK Delegation led by Mr. Marko Walde went on meeting the next crucial organization – the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Laos.

Through the exchange with Mr. Khamsonvanh Phutdavong, Deputy Director General of Planning and Cooperation, we acquired a clearer understanding of the current status of foreign direct investment in Laos and the process for foreign companies to enter the market. Besides, the fundamental frameworks of rolling out the business here were also addressed.

On August 17, the AHK Delegation led by Mr. Marko Walde had an enlightening meeting with Mr. Thanongshinh Kanlagna and the other officers from the LNCCI.

The talk with LNCCI uncovered loads of interesting information:

• Laos is enhancing regional integration through dual cooperative education to train people or freshmen in their organizations.
• With the improvement of logistics, the chamber has welcomed new investments from Vietnam or the "Thailand-Plus-One" strategy encouraging companies to extend the supply chain network to Laos.
• The chairmanship of Laos for ASEAN in 2024 will also open new events, showing Laos’ readiness to welcome more investors.
• Laos will host a Logistics Fair and an Agriculture Fair in 2024 so there would be lots of attractive opportunities in massive fields

For full details, please visit here>>>

On August 17, Mr. Marko Walde and the AHK Team were honored to be invited to a warm and delightful reception dinner hosted by the German Ambassador to Laos H.E. Ms. Annette Knobloch.

This networking opportunity has enlightened us on the relationships between Laos and Germany not only from an economic but also diplomatic perspective:

• Germany and Laos have had bilateral relations since 1958 when the Federal Republic of Germany established diplomatic ties with Laos.
• Germany is one of the main development partners of Laos, assisting in the sectors of sustainable economic development, rural development, and good vocational training.

On August 25, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has signed an MoU on cooperation in regional payment connectivity with the central banks of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. This cooperative agreement aims to establish a robust cross-border payment mechanism among these countries in the region.

Between Thailand, Cambodia and Lao using QR code payment for borders trade already.

In mid-June, senior officials from the National Bank of Cambodia announced that the country will soon sign agreements with the State Bank of Vietnam and the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) and other nations in the region, toward using local currency in its economy through technological advancements, thereby creating convenience for its citizens.

To read the full article, kindly visit here>>>

In September, our AHK Vietnam Market Entry expert will join forces with our colleagues at IHKs for a tour across 8 cities in Germany. During this tour, we will be conducting consultation appointments focusing on the Vietnamese market.

Vietnam is increasingly coming to the attention of German companies as a new option or as a supplement to the Chinese market for the diversification of supply chains. The country scores with dynamic economic development and economic growth of more than 8% in 2022.

For companies interested in Vietnam, save the date of the Consulting Days now to gain important information and helpful tips on entering the market, expanding business activities, and local investment opportunities.

The full schedule and registration guide can be viewed here>>>

For further questions, do not hesitate to contact us directly: Ms. Hanh Le | Email: hanh.le@vietnam.ahk.de

In a recent interview with VITV, Mr. Marko Walde had shared about the difficulties and challenges faced by Germany in recent decades. However, on a positive note, he emphasized the enthusiasm of German enterprises towards the Vietnamese market. A significant majority of them intend to continue investing in or expanding their production in Vietnam, with many planning to increase their workforce within the next 12 months. Moreover, Vietnam could benefit from the diversification strategy and the "China+1" approach, making it a potential manufacturing hub for German companies in ASEAN.

The full interview could be viewed here>>>

Recently, Mr. Marko Walde had an insightful talk with Senior Communications Officer Brian Badzmierowski from EuroCham Cambodia in the context of the coming ASEAN-Cambodia Business Summit hosted by EuroCham this 28-29 September.

As the representative from the economics side for German businesses in this Mekong region, Mr. Marko Walde has emphasized the importance and development of the “economic corridors” and their role in connecting trade between the CLMV Subregion, especially Cambodia and Germany or other EU countries.

Closely sharing its history with Vietnam, Cambodia is nowadays rising as the most attractive destination to expand for companies looking at a “Vietnam+1” strategy. Numerous advantages of this country can be named such as geographical position, political stability, robust economic growth, a favorable investment climate, natural resources,  expanding infrastructure development, and a supportive legal framework act.

To read the full article, kindly visit here>>>

Recently, Mr. Marko Walde had an intimate interview with VTC10 to share about AHK’s journey since 1994 and our mission of supporting and promoting economic relations between Germany and Vietnam.

These days, we are proud to represent German business interests not only in Vietnam but also to take on the markets of Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia and therefore are initiating diverse activities in the CLMV sub-region.

Stay updated on AHK Vietnam’s page>>> for more upcoming details.

On August 26, in an interview granted to the VNA’s correspondents in Berlin, Mr. Marko Walde emphasized that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has led to mutual benefits, especially for Vietnamese firms. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the EVFTA has facilitated growing trade between the EU and Vietnam over the past three years and created opportunities for German businesses in Vietnam. However, Vietnamese companies have not fully capitalized on the agreement, as Vietnamese goods account for only around 2% of the EU's total imports.

To address these challenges, Mr. Marko Walde recommended that Vietnamese businesses enhance their understanding of EU standards and regulations, seek support from relevant government agencies, and optimize technical assistance from the EU and Germany. He also urged Vietnam to invest more in human resources development to attract European investors seeking skilled labor and long-term partnerships.

To read the full article, kindly visit here>>>

Recently, Mr. Marko Walde had a talk with Brunswick Review (Brunswick Group) on the position of Vietnam in the global supply chain nowadays.

Vietnam – a former developing country – has become a so-called “middle-come-country” with a motivating and dynamic talent pool. These days, the country is the destination for investments in electronics, automobile supply, and high tech. This fact has proven Vietnam’s effort and readiness to become a global manufacturing hub and to keep growing in supply chains in several industries.

What else are the key drivers for this mission and what kind of improvements Vietnam should focus on in the coming time? For the full article from Brunswick Review, kindly visit here>>>

In a latest interview, Mr. Marko Walde shared his insights with Vietnam Investment Review (VIR) regarding the confidence of German Investment in Vietnam.

In the face of global economic uncertainties, German businesses continue to view Vietnam as a high-potential market in Asia. In the first seven months of 2023, Germany has invested a total of nearly 160 million USD in registered capital through 18 new projects in Vietnam with the majority focusing on the building industry/building materials sector. 500+ German companies invested $2.9 billion in Vietnam, creating 50,000 jobs across sectors. 91% plan to invest further, and 40% intend to expand their workforce next year.

German businesses are expressing high expectations for the prospects of business development and strong commitment when investing in Vietnam. This August, STADA Vietnam has established a new office in Ho Chi Minh City, underscoring dedication to enhancing healthcare in Vietnam and its substantial long-term investment in the region.

For a more comprehensive perspective, kindly visit here>>>

According to the interview with Mr. Marko Walde, the results of the AHK World Business Outlook - Spring 2023 further illustrates Vietnam's attractiveness in attracting German investors over the past years and outlines the strategic vision and proposed improvements in the country's investment sector for the next ten years.

Recently, the grand opening of STADA Vietnam on August 9th serves as a testament to the confidence of German investors in Vietnam's market development and their commitment to creating a green and sustainable economic environment.

The full coverage from VTC10  could be viewed here>>>

Nikkei Inc. is a business and media organization of Japanese origin and has a history spanning over 147 years. Nikkei Asia has been developed since 2013 and reports on the region's most influential companies with comprehensive coverage of politics, the economy, markets, and trends - all from a uniquely Asian perspective.

To enthrall more global readers as businesspeople to their news platform, Nikkei Asia has devised an outreach program for Chambers, Associations, and Embassies in Vietnam with 3 plans:

• Individual Plan: $120.00 per year for 1 user ID (Listed Price)
• Basic Plan: $300.00 per year for 3 user IDs
• Chamberwide Plan: $10,500.00 per year for a minimum of 350 chamber members (German Companies) - ($30.00 per 1 user ID)

For more information about Nikkei Asia and its current attractive offers or its partners, kindly visit here>>>  

If you are interested in any plans or a media partnership with Nikkei Asia, kindly reach out to Mr. Fetz Foo, Business Development Executive | Email: fetz.foo@nex.nikkei.co

Lately, the supervisory authority of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (#BAFA), unveiled the comprehensive version of the guidance document entitled "Collaboration in Supply Chains". This guidance is the result of a collaborative endeavor between BAFA and the Helpdesk Business & Human Rights in Germany.

The paper presents to companies the following key components:

• Strategies for fostering productive collaboration between obligated enterprises and their suppliers.
• Insights into the specific due diligence responsibilities and the adoption of a risk-based approach, applicable within domestic and international contexts.
• Clarification of the boundaries of the delegation of obligations from the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (#LkSG) to suppliers.

The document is available in two languages and is ready to be downloaded now:

• German version>>
• English version>>

On August 8th, at the Hanoi College of Electronics and Refrigeration, the Vietnam Association of Vocational Education and Training and Social Work, in collaboration with the Department of Overseas Labor Management, the General Department of Vocational Education (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs), along with vocational training institutions, businesses, and representatives from international organizations, including AHK Vietnam, successfully organized the workshop "European Labor Migration and Opportunities for Vietnamese Workers."

During the workshop, AHK Vietnam shared information about the labor demands in various sectors in Germany, as well as the opportunities for Vietnamese workers and the necessary conditions for them to work directly in Germany. Furthermore, we provided information about the process of recognizing Vietnamese qualifications in Germany.

For more information and details (in Vietnamese), kindly visit here>>>