German Ambassador to Viet Nam Jutta Frasch addresses

German Ambassador to Viet Nam Jutta Frasch addresses readers to mark Germany's National Day on October 3On October 3, 1990, Germany was peace -fully reunited after decades of separation into two parts as a consequence of World War II started by the Germans. It is this reunification we celebrate today. Germany's reunif-ication also meant that the division into West and East Europe could be overcome.

Since 1990, Germany has come a long way, politically assuming responsibilities as one of the world's leading powers and reforming its economy to adapt to globalisation.

Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Germany, Viet Nam also has undergone fundamental political, social and economic changes.

Reforms unleashed modernisation and an economic opening, recently transforming Viet Nam into a "middle income country". Since 1990, Germany has helped Viet Nam first overcome the effects of war and then modernise its economy.

Our relations have always been founded in the many contacts that exist between our societies. There are many Vietnamese who are rooted in both countries and know how to speak German. These Vietnamese form a unique bridge for our bilateral exchange.

In the past two years relations between Viet Nam and Germany developed in a very dynamic manner. Viet Nam is an important partner for us in ASEAN. Trade and economic exchange between our countries keep growing, in some fields in double-digit numbers. German businesses are successful in Vietnam, and more and more Vietnamese businesses in Germany.

In October 2011 Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung signed the Declaration of Ha Noi, founding a strategic partnership between our countries and spelling out areas of increased future cooperation. This strategic partnership is a leap forward for our bilateral relations, the Declaration of Ha Noi formulating a clear political mandate to further strengthen the ties between Viet Nam and Germany.

The political dialogue between our countries has been strengthened. The visit of vice-chancellor Philipp Roesler in September in Viet Nam as well as the visit of Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Germany are the latest high-level examples for that. Minister Roesler was accompanied by 50 businessmen and women from the German Mittelstand.

 

Tearing down the wall: The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is a symbol of German unity. — Photos courtesy German Embassy

This is a clear sign for the interest of German companies in doing business in Viet Nam. To further enhance German investment in Viet Nam companies need a climate of mutual trust, a reliable legal framework for investment and a transparent decision-making process for potential investors by the Vietnamese authorities.

I see it as my main task to work closely together with our Vietnamese partners in the spirit of the Declaration of Ha Noi and animate our strategic partnership through the implementation of several flagship projects such as the German House in Ho Chi MinhCity. The German House will become a symbol of our friendship, uniting under one roof the German Consulate general, German companies as well as our cultural institutions. This projects still needs further consultations, but I hope that we can soon solve the questions that remain open.

I personally attach particular importance to our cooperation in the field of education. Projects such as the Vietnamese-German University as well as the International German School in Ho Chi Minh City provide stimulating learning environments to prepare students for the challenges of their working life.

Increasing numbers of German language students all over Viet Nam are another encouraging sign. Many of these young people will study in Germany one day, return to Viet Nam and help build bridges between our two countries.

In the past few years our relations were not only strengthened, but they have also diversified. I am very optimistic that we will continue on this course and I look forward to working in Viet Nam to further strengthen the friendship between Germany and Viet Nam. — VNS