During the meeting, the two sides discussed economic and trade cooperation between Viet Nam and Germany in general, and between Viet Nam and Hamburg in particular. They also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in areas with considerable potential, including trade, logistics, port connectivity, industry, renewable energy and innovation.

Deputy Minister Luong Hoang Thai welcomed the visit to Viet Nam by First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and the Hamburg delegation, describing it as an important opportunity for both sides to strengthen dialogue, expand connections and promote substantive economic and trade cooperation.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that closer cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Hamburg would contribute to deepening the Viet Nam-Germany Strategic Partnership, particularly as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of their Strategic Partnership.

The Deputy Minister noted that Viet Nam is continuing to promote economic growth, expand exports and deepen international economic integration. Against this backdrop, stronger connectivity with Hamburg is of practical significance for Vietnamese businesses seeking to access German and European markets, develop distribution channels and improve the efficiency of import and export activities.

At the meeting, First Mayor Peter Tschentscher expressed his admiration for Viet Nam's dynamic development, spirit of innovation and achievements in economic development. He regarded Viet Nam as a partner with considerable potential for cooperation, particularly as economic and trade relations between Viet Nam and Germany continue to develop positively.

Tschentscher outlined Hamburg's strengths in port operations, maritime transport and logistics, while sharing the city's experience in developing port systems and organizing freight transport. Discussions also covered the role of major regional seaports, container handling operations and opportunities to strengthen connectivity among logistics hubs.

Introducing Hamburg, the First Mayor noted that the city is one of Germany's important economic centers, with a GDP ranking among the highest in the country. With its strengths in international trade, industry and port operations, Hamburg has established cooperative relationships with numerous prominent port cities worldwide, including Shanghai, China. These connections have helped reinforce Hamburg's position in international trade and logistics networks.

Against this backdrop, Tschentscher expressed his hope that Hamburg would have further opportunities to cooperate with Vietnamese port cities, thereby expanding Hamburg's network of port connections, strengthening trade links and facilitating transport, logistics and commercial exchanges between the two sides. He expected that closer connectivity with Viet Nam would create additional opportunities for the business communities while contributing to stronger economic relations between Hamburg and Viet Nam.

Deputy Minister Luong Hoang Thai highly appreciated Hamburg's experience, noting that this was an area with considerable potential for cooperation with Viet Nam. Both sides could explore ways to strengthen connections between the Port of Hamburg and Viet Nam's seaports, manufacturing centers and logistics hubs, thereby improving freight transport efficiency, reducing logistics costs and enhancing connectivity with European markets.

The Deputy Minister proposed strengthening connections between Hamburg and Viet Nam's key economic centers and seaports. Closer links among ports, shipping companies and logistics service providers would enable businesses on both sides to expand their operations and participate more deeply in international supply chains.

Beyond trade and logistics, the two sides also discussed prospects for cooperation in industry, energy and sustainable development. Deputy Minister Luong Hoang Thai noted that Viet Nam is focusing on advancing its energy transition, developing renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and strengthening domestic industrial capabilities.

Regarding innovation, scientific research and training, both sides welcomed the prospect of establishing connections between innovation centers, research institutions and universities in Ho Chi Minh City and their counterparts in Hamburg. Expert exchanges, thematic workshops and forums connecting businesses with research institutions could focus on highly complementary areas, including smart logistics, port digitalization, renewable energy technologies and emissions reduction solutions.

To translate the discussions into concrete action, Deputy Minister Luong Hoang Thai proposed that the designated contact points on both sides continue coordinating to identify priority areas, connect relevant government agencies, professional organizations and business communities, and develop a list of specific activities for implementation following the visit.

The meeting took place in an open and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the shared desire to further strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Hamburg, thereby contributing to deeper, more substantive and effective economic and trade relations between Viet Nam and Germany in the coming years.