The German Business Association (GBA) Elects 2026 Board of Directors

January 26, 2026, the German Business Association in Vietnam (GBA) successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026, welcoming more than 130 members and distinguished guests from the German business community in Vietnam.

The AGM was honoured by the presence of Mr. Simon Kreye, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Hanoi, Ms. Andrea Sühl, German Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr. Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch, former German Ambassador to Vietnam (2003-2007). The participation of senior diplomatic representatives once again underscored the close partnership and strong support of Germany for the German business community in Vietnam.

At the AGM, Ms. Andrea Sühl, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized: “We see significant potential in Vietnam, particularly in infrastructure development, railway systems, logistics solutions and the green economy. These are sectors that offer substantial opportunities for German expertise and innovation. According to the Business Confidence Index, 88 percent of surveyed companies expressed confidence in Vietnam’s long term economic outlook. On this basis, we remain firmly committed to working closely with the GBA to further strengthen German Vietnamese cooperation, while actively supporting initiatives of the business community and contributing to a dynamic and sustainable business environment.”

Review of 2025 Performance and Strategic Outlook for 2026

During the AGM, members reviewed the key achievements and financial report for 2025. The results confirmed that 2025 was a successful year for the GBA, marked by solid progress across strategic initiatives, continued membership growth, a stable financial foundation and the introduction of new formats and activities that generate long term value for the Association.

At the meeting, Mr. Simon Kreye, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, highlighted: “Over the past 30 years, the GBA has evolved into one of the most influential business associations in Vietnam. Its members not only serve as a bridge between enterprises, but also contribute to closer ties between the two communities, actively supporting Vietnam’s modernization process and strengthening Germany’s economic presence in the country.

Over the past year, the GBA expanded to more than 430 members, with 92 new companies joining, thereby reaffirming its position as the largest European business association in Vietnam. The GBA has continued its strong nationwide momentum, with a significant expansion of networking activities in Northern and Central Vietnam.

Within this context, the GBA also introduced the GBA Business Feedback Portal as a key initiative to systematically collect member input. The platform will be more closely integrated with government affairs activities to ensure that member feedback is effectively conveyed to relevant authorities and translated into opportunities for direct dialogue.”

In addition, members reviewed strategic priorities for 2026 and proceeded with the election of the new GBA Board for the upcoming term.

Election of the New GBA Board

A central highlight of AGM 2026 was the election of the new GBA Board, conducted in accordance with the Association’s regulations. The newly elected Board is expected to build on the GBA’s core values while bringing fresh perspectives, dynamism and responsiveness to the evolving needs of its members.

GBA members voted for the Board 2026 through an electronic voting system. The newly elected Board for the 2026 term consists of nine representatives from AHK Vietnam, Bayer Vietnam, Bosch Vietnam, CBTW, Fr. Meyer’s Sohn Vietnam, Fuchs Lubricants Vietnam, Hettich Vietnam, Rödl Vietnam and Schaeffler Vietnam.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Strengthening Community and Expanding Impact

Entering 2026, the GBA reaffirms its commitment to supporting its members, advancing dialogue between businesses and stakeholders, and contributing actively to the economic relations between Germany and Vietnam.

Sharing the strategic direction for 2026, Mr. Alexander Ziehe, Chairman of the GBA, stated: “The voice of our members is our top priority and serves as the foundation for all GBA activities. The Board for this term, comprising 09 members from various industries, brings together a diverse pool of expertise and experience to guide the Association’s development. We are fully committed to leading the GBA with the highest sense of responsibility and dedication as it enters a new phase in its fourth decade. Through in-depth working sessions and close dialogue with our members, the GBA will work with all relevant stakeholders to define clear priorities and strategic directions for the period ahead.”

With a newly elected Board, a shared vision and the strong support of its members, the GBA looks forward to a dynamic, effective and impactful year, continuing to reinforce its role as one of the most reputable and active foreign business associations in Vietnam.

Source: Vietnam Business Forum