2:17:46 PM | 9/16/2025
In this interview with Vietnam Business Forum, Mr. Maximilian Rummert, Managing Director of Bayer Vietnam, reflects on the company’s most impactful initiatives, assesses opportunities and challenges in Vietnam’s dynamic investment climate, and shares Bayer’s vision for contributing to the country’s sustainable growth in the decades ahead.
What are Bayer’s strategic priorities regarding investment and business development in Vietnam in the areas of pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and crop science?
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany, I am proud to be part of this journey. Since moving to Vietnam right after the COVID-19, I have witnessed the remarkable resilience of the Vietnamese community to adapt and thrive. With a GDP growth rate of around 6-7% and a population exceeding 100 million, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing and most exciting countries globally.
At Bayer, our strategic priorities focus on innovative healthcare solutions that specifically address the unmet needs of the Vietnamese people. We aim to improve community well-being and self-care while providing advanced solutions that span from diagnosis to treatment, particularly in critical areas such as women’s healthcare, cardiology, and specialty therapeutics in oncology, hematology, and ophthalmology. Additionally, we are committed to empowering local farmers with sustainable agricultural practices and technologies to increase crop quality, yield, and farmers' livelihoods, driving Vietnam’s agriculture towards innovation and sustainability. I am excited about the positive impact we can make together in this rapidly evolving landscape as Vietnam targets a new development era.
Over the past three decades, what have been Bayer’s most impactful programs, products, or initiatives in Vietnam—particularly in terms of economic contribution, public health, and sustainable agriculture?
Throughout the years, Bayer has continuously launched numerous initiatives that reflect our commitment to community well-being and sustainable agricultural development. Our ForwardFarming and Better Life Farming initiatives have empowered local farmers to adopt integrated solutions, particularly in key crops like rice in the Mekong Delta. Farmers have reported an average 13.5% increase in yield and even more significant improvements in profitability compared to conventional practices. These contributions bolster food safety and security, enhance economic stability, and foster agricultural resilience, especially in the face of climate change. Through these efforts, we ensure access to safe and nutritious food while helping Vietnam's agricultural products remain competitive in international markets.
Collaboration is key to our success, also in the healthcare sector. We partner with like-minded stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, including healthcare professionals and health associations, to improve treatment outcomes and raise disease awareness through continuous medical education programs. Our Patient Assistance Programs, in partnership with the Young Doctor Association and Bright Future Fund, have been vital in providing multivitamin supplements to underserved communities and supporting vulnerable patients with subsidized medications. These initiatives advance high-quality health services to meet the increasing needs of the community, showcasing Bayer's commitment to enhancing public health across Vietnam.
On the journey toward sustainability, how has Bayer integrated ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors into its operations in Vietnam?
Sustainability is at the heart of Bayer’s operations, guided by our commitment to integrating ESG factors into every aspect of our business. Globally, we have set ambitious targets to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 42% reduction by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions across our value chain by 2050. Beyond our own operations we contribute even more to our planet’s wellbeing by enabling farmers to reduce emissions and water usage and even strive toward regenerative farming practices.
In Vietnam, our initiatives in sustainable agriculture focus on reducing ecological footprints while enhancing quality and productivity. For instance, our ForwardFarming program, which emphasizes sustainable rice production, has led to a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 50% savings in water usage. By promoting the use of quality inputs and integrated techniques, we help farmers achieve higher crop quality and yields while preserving the environment. Additionally, we engage with local communities and national agricultural extension networks to promote responsible agricultural practices, aligning with the national agenda for agricultural transformation toward innovations and sustainability through 2030, with a vision to 2045. Our operations are designed to contribute positively to society while building trust and fostering partnerships that reflect the values of both Vietnam and Germany.
As a leading multinational, what potential and challenges do Bayer identify in Vietnam’s current business and investment environment? What improvements would help enhance its competitiveness and attractiveness?
Vietnam's dynamic economy presents tremendous potential, continuing to stand out as a favorable destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). The growing and increasingly affluent population enhances this appeal, creating a robust market for various sectors. The strong bilateral ties, and open dialogues with the government, foster a conducive environment for business growth.
However, we also face challenges, including bureaucracy, regulatory complexities and infrastructure limitations that can hinder operations. To enhance competitiveness, I believe that a more streamlined regulatory environment aligned with international standards and increased investments in infrastructure are essential improvements we are currently witnessing across Vietnam. By collaborating closely with the government and local partners, we can cultivate an environment that supports economic development and attracts further investment. I have great trust in the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese community to drive this transformation successfully.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany and the 30th anniversary of GBA, what message would Bayer Vietnam like to share about the bilateral relationship and the company’s future role in this partnership?
The strong diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany serve as a foundation for German companies to thrive in Vietnam, with the German Business Association (GBA) acting as a vital network for companies related to Germany to explore opportunities, connect with partners, and scale their businesses. As we celebrate these significant milestones, Bayer Vietnam is firmly committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Germany.
With evolving trade exchanges across various sectors, we recognize our essential role in contributing to the health and agricultural fields in Vietnam. We acknowledge the tremendous efforts made over the last decades, which have laid the groundwork for further progress and collaboration. Our vision for the future is to continue fostering innovation and partnerships that align with Vietnam’s development goals while facilitating further dialogues and exchanges.
Together, we can reinforce the bonds between our nations and pave the way for continued growth and prosperity. Bayer’s initiatives exemplify the spirit of cooperation that drives sustainable development and empowers communities. I am excited about the significant contributions and further progress we can make as we continue this journey.
Thank you very much!
Source: Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
