GBA Elects 2025 Board of Directors & Marks Its 30th Anniversary

January 21 - The GBA has elected its new Board of Directors for 2025, appointing Mr. Alexander Ziehe from Viessmann Vietnam as Chairman, along with 14 other board members. The announcement was made at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on January 20, 2025, in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The event, attended by the German Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Mrs. Helga Margarete Barth, and 130 GBA members, also marked the launch of a new logo and a special webpage celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025.

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Vietnam's Economy Soars with 7.09% Growth in 2024

Vietnam's economy surged 7.09% in 2024, reaching $476.3 billion, surpassing 2023's 5.05% growth. This rapid expansion, fueled by strong exports and foreign investments, outpaces its Southeast Asian peers. Especially, how does Vietnam's role in the US-China trade dispute influence this growth? DW Business delves into these dynamics with Trinh Nguyen, Senior Economist at Natixis and an expert in emerging Asian economies.

Vietnam: A Solution for Germany’s Tech Talent Gap

Germany’s booming digital economy faces a critical talent shortfall, with 663,000 IT positions projected to be unfilled by 2040. As traditional talent hubs like Eastern Europe and India become saturated, Vietnam emerges as a compelling alternative, offering a skilled, young workforce and a growing TechDesign sector. This roadshow, from May 19 to 23, explores Vietnam's potential through workshops in Munich, Heilbronn, Dortmund, and Leipzig, aiming to connect German companies with Vietnamese solution providers to bridge the HR gap.

GBA Joins New Year’s Reception of Ho Chi Minh City

HCMC, January 13 - GBA Vice-Chairman Mr. Martin Koerner represented the GBA at the 2025 New Year reception hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. German Consul Dr. Josephine Wallat, Deputy Consul General Mr. Christopher Scholl, and other counterparts also joined. At the event, Chairman Mr. Phan Văn Mãi highlighted Ho Chi Minh City’s 2024 economic achievements, including a 7.17% GRDP growth rate and budget revenue surpassing US$20 billion. He emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance the business and living environment and address issues promptly.

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Tet: A Key to Building Business Success in Vietnam

Vietnam’s economy thrives on cultural nuances. Tet, the Lunar New Year, highlights traditions that shape business practices, emphasizing hierarchy, relationships, and teamwork. German businesses can adapt by fostering trust and harmony, aligning with local values. Tet offers challenges like pre-holiday rushes and opportunities to strengthen ties through gestures like bonuses and gifts. Embracing this festive period allows German firms to deepen connections, show respect, and build sustainable partnerships in Vietnam’s dynamic market.

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GBA Delegation Participates in Conference on Building Regional & International Financial Centers in Vietnam

HCMC, January 4 - GBA delegation, including Chairman Alexander Ziehe, Vice Chairwoman Minh Nguyen, Board Member Viet Le, Executive Director Quynh Anh, and GBA Corporate Partners, together with AHK Vietnam, had the honor of attending a significant conference chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. This event marked the official announcement of the Government’s action plan to establish Regional and International Financial Centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, following the Politburo’s directives.

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Vietnam Health Report 2024 Launch: Unlocking Healthcare Potential

STADA Pymepharco and AHK Vietnam co-hosted the Vietnam Health Report 2024 launch on January 17, 2025. The Vietnam Health Report 2024 is more than a publication—it’s a beacon of hope and innovation. The event highlighted Vietnam’s healthcare potential and the transformative role of German innovation. From advancing accessibility to promoting sustainability, German companies are setting new standards in healthcare. This collaboration is a testament to Vietnam's growing opportunities and promising healthcare sector future.

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Vietnam Tightens Regulations on E-commerce Imports

Effective February 18, 2025, Vietnam will eliminate import duty and VAT exemptions for goods valued under 1 million VND (approximately $40) sent via express delivery, as per Decision No. 01/2025/QD-TTg. This policy change aims to address the surge in low-value e-commerce imports, particularly from countries like China, and to promote fair competition by ensuring that both imported and domestically produced goods are subject to consistent taxation. Businesses planning market entry should prepare for increased costs associated with importing low-value goods into Vietnam.

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Vietnam Likely to Guarantee 80% Output Purchase for Offshore Wind Projects

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a decree to incentivize offshore wind power with fee exemptions, reductions, and a commitment to purchase 80% of energy output during loan repayment. Projects are exempt from sea-use fees during construction, with a 50% reduction for 12 years post-operation. Land fees are also exempt during construction and reduced afterward. Projects must secure approvals by January 1, 2031, and meet Electricity Law requirements, making Vietnam appealing for German offshore wind companies.

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Legal Updates by Dr. Oliver Massmann | January 2025

Our long-standing GBA board member Dr. Oliver Massmann, Partner at Duane Morris LCC, is sharing the most relevant legal updates:

1. Government specifies conditions for foreign drivers, vehicles operating in Vietnam
2. ID numbers to be used as personal tax code
3. Goods valued below $39 to be taxed for express delivery starting Feb. 18
4. VAT reduction extended till June 30, 2025
5. Semiconductor progress to hinge on incentives

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What Do Foreign Investors Expect from Ho Chi Minh City’s International Financial Center?

Foreign investors believe establishing an International Financial Center (IFC) in Ho Chi Minh City requires a long-term strategy, administrative reforms, and a transparent financial system. GBA Chairman, Mr. Alexander Ziehe, called the IFC strategy “highly promising” and stressed early private sector involvement and collaboration among administrative bodies. He highlighted leveraging Vietnam’s manufacturing strengths and learning from global examples like Singapore and Dubai. Investors await detailed information on reforms and financial centers, emphasizing a practical roadmap aligned with Vietnam’s economic goals.

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Deutsche Bank AG provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking, asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany’s leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

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Country Managing Partner – Mr. Michael Wekezer elected GBA Board Member for 2025

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Michael Wekezer, Country Manager at Roedl & Partner Vietnam, has been elected to the German Business Association’s Board for 2025 on 20 January 2025. His deep expertise and comprehensive experience are set to enrich GBA’s activities, providing robust support and insightful leadership to foreign direct investment enterprises in Vietnam.

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A Special Visit from the Provincial Party Secretary of Long An to Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City

Deutsches Haus was honored to welcome Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Provincial Party Secretary of Long An to our building. Mr. Duoc and his delegation offered heartfelt Tet greetings to Deutsches Haus, AHK Vietnam, and GBA, highlighting the province's dedication to building lasting partnerships with German companies. Deutsches Haus hopes to welcome many more special visits in the future to strengthen the 50-year relationship between Germany and Vietnam.

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FORVIA HELLA

FORVIA HELLA is a listed, international automotive supplier. We are a company of the FORVIA Group, the world’s seventh largest supplier of automotive technologies. As a global market leader in high-growth areas, FORVIA employs over 150,000 people worldwide. FORVIA HELLA therein stands for high-performance lighting technology and automotive electronics. At the same time, we cover a broad service and product portfolio for the spare parts and workshop business as well as for manufacturers of special vehicles with our Business Group Lifecycle Solutions.

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The Draft Decree on Vietnam's Global Minimum Tax Implementation

An important Resolution has been approved effective from the 2024 Financial year, introducing two global minimum taxes. These include the Income Inclusion Rule (IIR) for Vietnamese groups with overseas investments and the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT) for multinational groups operating in Vietnam. To support implementation, the Ministry of Finance recently released a draft Decree for public consultation, aligning with the OECD’s Pillar Two global minimum tax rules, guidelines, and related legislation.

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Kobler Group

Kobler Group – Germany was founded by Engineer Martin Mannhardt, inspired by his hometown of Koblenz, a city regarded as a hub of Germany's economy, technology, and finance. Kobler is a provider of high-quality German-standard products and solutions in furniture and construction materials that are environmentally friendly and built to last over time.

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Save the Date! Luther’s Compliance Calendar for the Year 2025

Vietnam is widely renowned for its formalistic legal system. Complying with multiple layers of corporate governance duties can pose a real challenge for foreign-owned enterprises in Vietnam. Luther Vietnam’s Compliance Calendar highlights all key submission deadlines, consolidated by our weathered experts. Our team helps you tick all boxes and keep your business on track in 2025. Download the Compliance Calendar now!

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Mercedes-Benz Vietnam - The Exclusive Privilege for GBA Members

Mercedes-Benz Vietnam is proud to be the only luxury car brand in Vietnam to have an exclusive program designated for all GBA members. Our special offers are up to 4% for all CKD models including C-class, E-class, and GLC-class, and 4% for most of our CBU models. For more details of the program, please contact us via the hotline 1800 400 110 or direct points at our authorized nationwide dealers.

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Welcoming a Prosperous 2025: A Message from Messer

Thanks to the support of our valued customers and partners, Messer's 2024 has achieved several remarkable milestones, laying a strong foundation for a promising journey in 2025. We would like to wish our customers and partners a new year filled with health, prosperity, and success in all endeavors. We look forward to continuing our partnership and cooperation in the upcoming year.

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Sao Vang Group SAVABECO

With Savabeco’s diversity in products ranging around Sao Vàng beer brand, our aspiration is to supply high-quality up-to-standards products towards the Vietnamese market and a focus in continuously elevating the value and desirability of exceptional Vietnamese beer in the international market. With that, we are persistently building the Greenfield brewery along with investing in state-of-the-art equipment and machinery supplied by the leading European manufactures and keeping our expertise in brewing to its finest.

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Schaeffler Vietnam

Schaeffler Vietnam is a branch of Schaeffler Group operations in South East Asia. We established a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City in June 2011. Our factory was officially inaugurated in Amata Industrial Zone, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai province in December 2007. During that time, we also expanded our services to customers in the North by starting off a second Sales office in Ha Noi City. With total of more than 370 employees, we are proud to introduce and offer the best Schaeffler Group portfolio of industrial bearings, related components, complete bearing installation and maintenance services to end-users in Vietnam.

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tesa site Haiphong

The tesa site in Haiphong, Vietnam, opened in October 2023, spans 70,000 square meters, and produces 40 million square meters of adhesive tape annually. This facility supports the fast-growing Asian market, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors. Employing around 130 people, it emphasizes sustainability with water-based adhesives and a photovoltaic installation. The site complements tesa’s existing production in Suzhou, China.

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Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam

Welcome to the Royal League in the field of air technology, control engineering and drive technology. Be inspired by our technology, our solution and our competence and trust that you will find the future of intelligent developments at ZIEHL-ABEGG. We focus on system solutions for ventilation, control and drive technology and are constantly looking for new applications for our products. As an innovation and quality leader, we constantly set new standards in technology, service and design.

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Dürr 𝗘𝗰𝗼Bell4 Rotary atomizers – Ultra fast color change with low paint loss

With 4-main-needle technology, Dürr 𝗘𝗰𝗼Bell4 atomizers set new standards in terms of efficiency and resource consumption. Shortest possible color change times within 4 seconds, minimal paint and rinsing agent losses, and a high degree of flexibility for all processes are guaranteed.

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Vias Hong Bao Ngoc

VIAS Hong Ngoc Bao is a dynamic enterprise immersed in the realm of real estate, committed to delivering outstanding offerings in property development, investment, and management. VIAS Hong Ngoc Bao is one of the key sectors that VIAS Capital is focused on developing, offering innovative solutions in the real estate market, as well as the services of investment management, all bolstered by in-depth market knowledge and an unwavering dedication to client satisfaction.

Bayer Vietnam - Health for all, Hunger for None

Bayer, a global leader in health care and nutrition, has operated in Vietnam since 1994 with factories in Dong Nai and Binh Duong, and offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Its Pharmaceuticals Division focuses on cardiology, women’s healthcare, and oncology. The Consumer Health Division offers OTC products, while the Crop Science Division provides crop protection solutions. Bayer Vietnam is committed to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.

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Why Scaling Business Day Is a Must-Attend Event for Growth-Focused Leaders

Scale your business with actionable insights from global experts at Scaling Business Day. Discover how Vietnam's digital transformation and emerging technologies can provide the tools for German companies to scale effectively. Explore the latest tech trends, practical strategies, and innovation opportunities that will drive your business forward. Connect with C-level executives, business owners, and leaders from Europe and Asia to build strategic partnerships. Don’t miss this opportunity to accelerate your growth—register now for February 28, 2025, at The Sentry, HCMC.

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MVV SNP - Where International Expertise Meets Local Experience

MVV SNP is a member of Media Ventures Vietnam Group (MVV) with 8 offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Working with us means working with a team of 200 experienced and passionate professionals in branding, marketing, communications, digital, content development and visual marketing. We are reaching out to the world by establishing our first offices in Singapore and the US in 2017.

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Connect with the German Business Association for Key Networking Opportunities in Vietnam

Stay informed on our latest events by visiting our Website, following us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or joining our WhatsApp and Zalo groups.

DeutschenTreff February 2025, HCMC, Vietnam

Expanding connections – The Partnering in Business with Germany Networking Event 2025, Hanoi & HCMC, Vietnam

IHK Country Week 2025: Southeast Asia, Online

The 102nd Ostasiatisches Liebesmahl by OAV, Hamburg, Germany

ASEAN Forum at Hannover Messe 2025, Hannover, Germany

Symposium 2025: Factory Automation - Made in Germany, HCMC, Vietnam

Roadshow: TechDesign – Made in Vietnam, Germany

Business initiation Vietnam: Training and further education with a focus on the circular economy, Hanoi & HCMC

Market exploration Cambodia & Laos: Education and training (products and services)

NRW Foreign Trade Day 2025, Mönchengladbach, Germany

Hamburger Foreign Trade Day, Hamburg, Germany

Asia-Pacific Forum Bavaria, Nuremberg, Germany

Delegation to Vietnam “Talents”, Hanoi & HCMC

Trade & Connect, Munich, Germany

German Pavilion in Vietnam

HortEx Vietnam 2025, HCMC, Vietnam, March 12-14, 2025: Int. Exhibition & Conference for Horticultural and Floricultural Production and Processing Technology in Vietnam. Read more

AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2025, HCMC, Vietnam, March 12-14, 2025: The premier trade fair for crop production and smart farming in Asia. Read more

ProPak Vietnam 2025, HCMC, Vietnam, March 18-20, 2025: International Processing and Packaging Exhibition. Read more

[Bavarian Pavilion] Metalex Vietnam 2025, HCMC, Vietnam, October 1-3, 2025: Vietnam’s International Exhibition on Machine Tools & Metalworking Solutions for Production Upgrade. Read more

EuroCIS, Düsseldorf, Germany, February 18-20, 2025: Discover cutting-edge retail technology. Read more

XPONENTIAL Europe, Düsseldorf, Germany, February 18-20, 2025: Making its Düsseldorf debut, featuring advanced tech. Read more

ProWein, Düsseldorf, Germany, March 16-18, 2025: International trade fair for wines and spirits. Read more

Beauty Düsseldorf, Germany, March 28-30, 2025: Where beauty professionals meet the latest trends. Read more

TOP HAIR, Düsseldorf, Germany, March 29-30, 2025: Where hair art and craftsmanship meet glamour and innovation. Read more

K 2025, Düsseldorf, Germany, October 8-15, 2025: Plattform for plastics and rubber industry innovations. Read more

A+A, Düsseldorf, Germany, November 4-7, 2025: Focus on workplace safety and health—exhibit spaces still open! Read more

MEDICA, Düsseldorf, Germany, November 17-20, 2025: Trade fair for medical technology & healthcare. Read more

Spielwarenmesse 2025, Nuremberg, Germany

January 28-Fenruary 1, 2025: Discover the global hub for the toy industry, uniting international decision-makers. Read more

German Enterprises Can Offer a Pragmatic Approach

German investors are expanding in Vietnam to seek stability amid global turbulence. Peter Kompalla, Chief Representative of AHK Vietnam, highlighted the increasing confidence among German businesses, with many planning to boost local investments in 2025. Vietnam’s strategic position, skilled workforce, and strong trade ties, especially through the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, make it an attractive destination. However, challenges like skilled labor shortages and global uncertainties remain.

German Businesses Commit to Long-term Partnerships in Vietnam

In 2024, German investment in Vietnam surged, with over 530 German companies active and $3.6 billion invested in manufacturing, high technology, logistics, and renewable energy. Despite challenges like declining global demand, economic policy uncertainty, and infrastructure limitations, the future looks promising. GBA Chairman Alexander Ziehe highlights Vietnam’s unique advantages and potential for growth. German companies are committed to reducing carbon emissions and implementing best practices. Ziehe believes continued reforms could help Vietnam achieve greater results in 2025 and maintain its position as a top global investment destination.

Newsletter on Hydrogen Industry and H2Upp Project – Vol. 2

The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and AHK Vietnam are implementing the H2Uppp project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). H2Uppp aims to develop markets for green hydrogen (H2) and Power-to-X (PtX) technologies in developing countries and foster private sector partnerships and export-import relationships with Germany and Europe. Vietnamese companies can gain more insights into the hydrogen industry from GIZ’s special Vietnamese Newsletter. Vol. 2 is now available!

Hettich Group Thrives in The Vietnamese Market: Hettich Vietnam Co.’s Establishment

Tay Ninh Offers Great Potential to German Businesses and Visits to German Manufacturers Here

Long An’s Provincial Party Secretary Shows Interest and Full Support in Cooperating with German Investors

AHK & GBA Office Closure: Lunar New Year 2025

As AHK Vietnam and GBA Vietnam approach the joyous occasion of the Lunar New Year 2025, we extend our warmest greetings and gratitude for your continuous support. In line with the cultural significance of this celebration, our offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be closed from Monday, January 27 to Friday, January 31, 2025. We will resume operations on Monday, 3 February, 2025.

We wish you a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year, filled with peace, happiness, and precious moments! Thank you for being a cherished part of our community. We look forward to another year of collaboration and shared success!

Happy Lunar New Year!

The Delegation of German Industry & Commerce in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam)

German Business Association (GBA)