The Vietnam – Germany Friendship Association (VGFA), a member organization of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) recently hosted the friendship get-together to celebrate the 28^th National Day of the Federal Republic of Germany (October 3^rd).

President of the Vietnam – Germany Friendship Association Mr. Nguyen Chi Dung and Ambassador Christian Berger in a handshake and flowers.(PY)

The event, held on Oct 11, was attended by Dr. Nguyen Chi Dung, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Minister of Planning and Investment, President of VGFA; Dr. Vu Huy Hoang, Former President of VGFA; Dr. Nguyen Thuy Hien, Deputy Chief Judge of the Supreme People’s Court, Vice President of VGFA; Christian Berger, Ambassador of Germany to Vietnam; representatives of German offices and organizations in Vietnam, namely Goethe-Institut, Friedrich-Ebert Foundation (FES) and the German Agency for International Development (GIZ).

Dr. Nguyen Chi Dung, President of VGFA in the event reviewed significant marks in the development of Vietnam – Germany relations in various fields.

Particularly in economics, Germany is the biggest trade partner of Vietnam in the European Union and in Europe in general. In the first 9 months of 2018, the bilateral trade value has reached USD 3.5 billion. The number of German FDI projects under operation in Vietnam reached 286 with total registered capital of USD 1.4 billion, ranking 20^th in the 116 countries investing in Vietnam.

These figures well reflect the development of the bilateral relations, Dung said.

Dr. Nguyen Chi Dung, President of VGFA in his speech.(PY)

He also expressed his hope in the potential of the bilateral cooperation especially in economics and trade-investment.

VGFA in its 33 years of operation has unceasingly consolidated and improved its membership and activities. Its contribution to the Vietnam – Germany relations shall advance in the future, Dung said.

Christian Berger, Ambassador of Germany to Vietnam made a speech at the gathering.(PY)

Ambassador of Germany to Vietnam, Christian Berger, for his part, congratulated VGFA President Nguyen Chi Dung on being election as the new President of VGFA in the term of 2018 – 2023 and conveyed his pleasure in the development of the bilateral ties and the contributions of VGFA to the relations.

He also took the occasion to inform delegates on some activities, including the German Festival planned on September 2^nd-3^rd, that will help enhancing the Vietnam – Germany ties./.

( Translated by Hong Anh )