PM calls for stronger cooperation with Hamburg in ports, logistics, green energy

Welcoming Tschentscher’s visit, Prime Minister Hung praised Germany’s and Hamburg’s achievements in socio-economic development and external relations, as well as their prominent roles in the European Union (EU) and internationally.

He spoke highly of the outcomes of Vietnam-Germany cooperation, noting that Germany has become one of Vietnam’s leading trading partners, a major investor and an important development cooperation partner within the EU. The Vietnamese-German University was cited as a symbol of bilateral cooperation.

The Prime Minister said the two countries are well placed to elevate their relations to a new level, creating fresh momentum for bilateral cooperation.

Stronger trade and investment ties

Highlighting practical opportunities for collaboration, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung called on Hamburg to step up substantive cooperation with Vietnamese localities, particularly in areas where the German city has strengths, including seaports, logistics, the maritime economy, green transition and smart cities. He also urged Hamburg to help further expand economic, trade and investment ties between Vietnam, Hamburg and Germany.

The Prime Minister proposed that the German state support the promotion and marketing of Vietnamese national-brand products and services in the German market, particularly in sectors where Vietnam has competitive strengths and which match European consumer demand. These include agricultural products, processed foods, coffee, beverages, consumer goods, handicrafts, and green and sustainable products.

He also suggested stronger business connections to help Vietnamese products better meet German consumers’ preferences and market requirements, enable Vietnamese companies to expand their market access and make more effective use of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Vietnam welcomes investment from Hamburg-based businesses in areas where the city has expertise, particularly green transition and renewable energy, the Prime Minister said.

He proposed that Hamburg facilitate connections between Vietnamese businesses and its renewable energy cluster, as well as global offshore wind power supply chains, while promoting exchanges of experience in developing green and clean energy.

He further called for the maritime economy and seaports to become priority areas of cooperation between Vietnam and Germany, particularly Hamburg. This would include stronger connectivity and exchanges of information and experience between the Port of Hamburg and major Vietnamese ports.

Vietnam could also draw on German and European technologies and expertise to strengthen cooperation in transport, he told his guest.

Other proposed areas of collaboration include science and technology, innovation, higher education, human resource development and vocational training based on Germany’s dual vocational education and training model. The Prime Minister also suggested closer cooperation on sustainable development, with a focus on joint projects between Hamburg and Vietnamese localities in energy transition and resilience-building.

Seeking deeper cooperation with Vietnamese partners

For his part, First Mayor Peter Tschentscher praised Vietnam’s impressive development, particularly its economic growth in the first nine months of 2026 and its target of achieving double-digit growth. He also highlighted the country’s substantial investment in infrastructure, noting the rapid implementation of major strategic projects.

He described the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership, the EVFTA and agreements between the two governments as important drivers of bilateral relations.

Hamburg and German businesses, he said, are keen to develop long-term cooperation with Vietnamese partners and localities, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, by capitalising on their complementary strengths and contributing to Vietnam’s development.

He expressed interest in advancing cooperation in the areas highlighted by the Prime Minister, especially seaports, logistics, transport, offshore wind power, higher education, science and technology.

Tschentscher also hoped that more Vietnamese business delegations would visit Germany and that both sides would make fuller use of the EVFTA to promote trade between Vietnam, Germany and the wider EU.

Germany is Vietnam’s second largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching US$13.6 billion in 2025. German foreign direct investment ranks third among EU member states investing in Vietnam, with more than 530 projects and total registered capital exceeding US$3.1 billion. Since 1990, Germany has provided more than US$2 billion in official development assistance (ODA) for projects in Vietnam.

Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city and a major economic centre. The Port of Hamburg is Europe’s third largest container port and one of the world’s leading cargo transhipment hubs.

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