PM Dung expressed his delight at the development of ties between Vietnam and Germany, particularly in the areas of economics, culture, education, training, health, science and technology.

The government leader also spoke highly of Mr Schroeder, who is making his second trip to the country in the last two years, and his contributions to diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Mr Schroeder said that Vietnam is on the right track in its development as it has focused on educating and training the nation's younger generations.

Vietnam and Germany recorded nearly US$2 billion in two-way trade turnover last year and German investors have poured around US$340 million into 71 projects in the country.