In recent years, German officials have made many working visits to Vietnam. This time, the German side reaffirmed to assist Vietnam in various fields such as education, training, environment, health and climate change. It will mark a new development in the bilateral cooperation.
During his recent visit to Vietnam, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle confirmed that the German government will continue to put priority on ODA for Vietnam in the years to come, focusing on areas that Germany is strong and Vietnam is in need, namely environment protection, health, education, training, climate change, clean and renewal energy. Germany will assist Vietnam to build Vietnam-German University into a model university in the region and the world.
Prior to the visit, German Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr Rolf Schulze reaffirmed that in sustainable economic development and vocational training, Germany will help Vietnam in economic reform and transition from a planned economy to socialist oriented market economy. In macro economic reform, Germany has helped Vietnam in adjusting legal documents and organization suitable to new development, as well as capacity building of officials.
Germany also assisted Vietnam with a training programme of 11 pilot and fully equipped vocational schools. Linkage with businesses will be promoted to facilitate students in their practice and build business contacts. The German Ambassador also disclosed that a big investment will be reserved for the upgrading of a training centre in Haiphong. Priority will be given to the industries of German comparative advantages such as mechanics, electronics, technology, etc.
Regarding environment, natural resources and urban development, the bilateral cooperation will focus on management of forest resources, national parks and bio-diversity. The Ambassador confirmed assistance to Vietnam to deal with climate change with such projects as forest development, preservation of bio-diversity and sea ecology.
Besides, with the initiative on climate and environment (IKLU), Germany will help improve the supply and efficient use of energy in Vietnam by building modern power grid and small hydro power stations, and using new energy resources. A German company has built the first wind power project in Central Vietnam. It also plans to build a factory producing equipment for the project and establish a training centre for Vietnamese engineers and workers so they can operate and manage the project.
In sustainable urban development, the cooperation concentrates on water and waste treatment. Germany has assisted the building of waste treatment stations, provided consulting service and training for concerned Vietnamese companies.
Regarding health care, the cooperation will focus on improving primary health service in certain provinces and cities. Germany will assist with modern equipment and training of medical workers for higher efficiency.
A delegation of the Budget Committee of German Parliament headed by Mr Herbert Frankenhauser recently visited Vietnam. Mr Herbert Frankenhauser reaffirmed that Germany highly values cooperation with Vietnam and progress in bilateral relations, and wishes to develop further the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and two parliaments. He also said that his delegation has worked with the Financial and Budgetary Committee of Vietnam National Assembly and found many common views on their organizations and activities.
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