Vietnam, Germany seek to expand trade, agricultural cooperation

Vietnam and Germany, as trusted strategic partners, are seeking to further deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors, particularly in economics, trade, agriculture, fisheries, and environmental sustainability, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany, Vu Quang Minh.

Speaking at a workshop on trade connection in agro-forestry-fishery sectors between Vietnam and Germany, co-organized recently in Berlin by the Vietnam Trade Office in Germany, the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the German Agribusiness Alliance (GAA), Ambassador Minh emphasized that Vietnam and Germany’s economic structures are highly complementary, presenting an advantage for both nations to enhance policy coordination, expand bilateral trade, and leverage each other's market strengths.

He noted the importance of increasing market share for both sides to effectively tackle challenges and economic uncertainties.

"Germany, as Europe’s largest economy with a vast consumer market and stringent standards, can serve as Vietnam’s leading strategic alternative market," the Vietnamese diplomat stated. He also highlighted the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which provides significant tariff preferences, further facilitating trade expansion from both sides.

Dr. Per Brodersen, Director of the GAA, for his part, assessed Vietnam’s entry into a new growth phase, bringing strong potential in production capacity, efficiency, exports, and added value.

He stressed that collaboration between agricultural, forestry, and fishery enterprises could unlock numerous opportunities for development between the two countries.

"Vietnamese and German associations and businesses must share consumer insights, regulatory information, and best practices for importing and exporting agricultural products, seafood, and meat into German supermarket chains," Dr. Brodersen asserted. He called on government authorities from both nations to create favorable conditions and strengthen agricultural cooperation, ensuring market access for prioritized products that meet evolving consumer demands.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of strengthening supply chain linkages between Vietnamese and German agricultural product industry associations to ensure compliance with regulations throughout the product value chain. Such cooperation would help reduce logistics costs and maintain product quality from production to the end consumer.

Regarding exports to Germany, Ms. Dang Thi Thanh Phuong, Vietnamese Commercial Counselor in Germany, highlighted the need for products to comply with new EU technical standards. She noted that this is particularly relevant for wooden products, textiles, and footwear, which must adhere to requirements related to product safety, restrictions on certain chemicals, CE marking regulations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) compliance.