Ho Chi Minh City, Hamburg seek closer ties to attract German investment

The initiative was discussed during a reception on Monday hosted by Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, for Hamburg First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and his delegation.

The German delegation’s visit coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership.

Following its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the expanded Ho Chi Minh City has additional strengths in industry, seaports, logistics, science and technology, and services, Duoc said.

These advantages create favorable conditions for broader international cooperation, investment attraction, and resource mobilization to support economic development.

He added that Hamburg had considerable experience and strengths in sectors that Ho Chi Minh City is seeking to develop.

The two cities could complement each other in economic development, industrial growth, infrastructure construction, and the application of technology to urban management and operations.

The southern Vietnamese metropolis wants to expand cooperation with Hamburg in urban transport, metro systems, seaports, maritime services, logistics, high technology, digital transformation, and energy.

The city also hopes to draw on German expertise, technologies, and advanced solutions while strengthening links among government agencies, organizations, and businesses in both cities.

Duoc expressed his desire to attract more German companies to explore investment opportunities, expand business operations, and develop high-tech projects in Ho Chi Minh City.

He stressed that cooperation should go beyond establishing connections and gradually lead to specific programs and projects that deliver practical benefits to both sides.

Duoc also expressed confidence that the Hamburg delegation’s visit, together with the German Business and Investment Forum in Vietnam 2026 scheduled for Tuesday this week, would create fresh momentum for companies from both countries to meet, discuss their needs, explore investment opportunities, and advance joint projects.

In response, Tschentscher said and that his delegation was keen to learn more about Ho Chi Minh City’s development plans, strengths, and long-term projects.

The Hamburg mayor pointed to similarities between the two cities in maritime activities, transport and waterways, saying these provided a strong basis for cooperation, particularly in applying digital technologies to seaports and logistics operations.

He said the cities could also exchange experience in urban planning and public transport organization to better meet the needs of freight transportation and passenger travel, as well as in building sustainable urban areas that support economic growth while protecting the environment.

Regarding renewable energy, Tschentscher said Hamburg has experience in offshore wind power and is willing to share technologies and solutions to help Vietnam develop its renewable energy sector.

He added that effective cooperation would require stronger connections among experts and support from the administrations of both cities.

He affirmed Hamburg's readiness to send specialists in seaports, logistics, public transport, and finance to Ho Chi Minh City to share expertise and explore potential areas of collaboration.