Germany is Vietnam’s biggest trade partner in the European Union (EU) with two-way trade turnover increasing by 20 percent annually to reach its current level of over US$4.1 billion per year.

This statement was made by National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan at a reception for the director of Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), Rabea Brauer, in Hanoi on November 3.  

She added that over 200 German businesses are now investing in Vietnam and government agencies in both countries have strengthened cooperation in many fields, especially justice and law.

Ms Ngan expressed satisfaction with the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries which has continued to develop strongly and comprehensively. German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s recent visit to Vietnam marked a new milestone in bilateral relations with the signing of a joint statement announcing the official establishment of a Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership.

Highlighting the role KAS has played in organizing cooperative programmes on law and justice in the 2009-2011 period, Ms Ngan said she hopes that both countries will define orientations for the 2012-2014 cooperative programme, saying that Vietnam’s National Assembly will receive continued support from KAS to fulfill its targets. She affirmed that the NA is willing to support and participate in cooperative programmes between Vietnam and Germany.

KAS director Rabea Brauer briefed Ms Ngan on the cooperative plan the KAS has developed with Vietnam for the 2012-2014 period, aiming to improve the capacity of NA deputies. She affirmed that KAS will do its best to consolidate the Vietnam-Germany relationship and raise the strategic partnership between the two countries to a new height in the interests of their peoples.

Source: VOV/VNA