In attendance were Prof Dr Hoang Van Huay, former Deputy Minister for Science and Technology cum Chairman of the Central VGFA, representatives of FES, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the office of Hessen State in Viet Nam and the city’s enterprises, and Germans who are living, working or studying in Da Nang.

Ms Le Thi Nhu Hong, the Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang Federation of Friendship Associations, emphasised that the Federal Republic of Germany is one of the most important partners of Viet Nam in the European Union in such fields as economy, culture, education, science and technology.  A series of treaties and agreements have been signed as a foundation for the development of the cooperative relationship between the two countries. 

The participants said they hoped that FES and DAAD would help to bring professors and scientists from Germany to Da Nang to assist the city in urban management and training at universities, most notably in hi-tech-related majors.  In addition, they would contribute to establishing the cooperative relationship between the University of Da Nang’s College of Technology and universities in Germany, provide support for small and medium-sized businesses, and German language teaching classes in the city.

It is estimated that about 20 enterprises in Da Nang are doing business with German partners.  However, two-way trade between Da Nang and Germany has still been limited in recent years.  Da Nang exports garments, children’s toys, coffee, frozen seafood, handicrafts, furniture and footwear to Germany, whilst it imports machinery, chemicals, materials for production, and medicines.

Kim Tuyen – Hoai Linh