Since 2011, Germany and Viet Nam have had a “strategic partnership” involving cooperation projects in numerous policy fields. Relations are shaped by the many different intersocietal contacts. Germany and Viet Nam regard themselves as partners in endeavours to uphold multilateralism, free trade and investment, as well as environmental and climate protection.

Germany is Viet Nam’s most important trading partner in the EU, while Viet Nam ranks among Germany’s largest trading partners within ASEAN. More than 350 German companies are currently represented in Viet Nam. German investment has created around 50,000 jobs in Viet Nam.

The free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Union, which entered into force in 2020, gave a further boost to economic relations between Germany and Viet Nam. The investment protection agreement signed in 2019 still has to be ratified by several EU member states.

Development cooperation focusing on implementing the 2030 Agenda, the G7 Just Energy Transition Partnership and the Paris Agreement is another important element in relations between Germany and Viet Nam. The 2030 reform strategy of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development defines Viet Nam as a global partner country with a focus on key issues based on the country’s Green Growth strategy (forestry/biodiversity, energy transition and vocational education and training).

Bilateral cultural relations are developing well. Numerous cultural, academic and scientific institutions (including the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Goethe-Institut, the Vietnamese-German University and the International German School) are active in Viet Nam. The more than 100,000 Vietnamese who have worked or studied in Germany form a unique bridge between the two countries.

Since 1998, Germany and Viet Nam have also maintained institutionalised relations in the spheres of security and defence. In November 2022, the two countries’ defence ministries signed an agreement on intensifying cooperation in this field.