A significant stride toward an environmentally friendly industrial future was recently marked at the Germany-Vietnam Business Forum 2026, held in Ho Chi Minh City. The event, themed 'Circular Economy in Manufacturing,' served as a testament to Germany’s profound commitment to supporting Vietnam's green transition. Through synergies involving technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and long-term business partnerships, both nations now stand at the threshold of a major transformation in the global manufacturing landscape.
Amidst rising geopolitical uncertainties and global supply chain disruptions, the circular economy has evolved from a mere environmental consideration into a strategic tool for enhancing economic resilience and safeguarding production continuity. German Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Andrea Suhl, emphasized that adopting circular principles is vital for maintaining production stability in a challenging future.
This collaboration brings together Germany's world-class technological expertise and Vietnam's dynamic manufacturing capabilities, alongside its strong commitment to transformation. ITPC Deputy Director Cao Thi Phi Van noted that this synergy unlocks golden opportunities across various critical sectors, ranging from green production and supporting industries to digital transformation and the development of eco-industrial parks. Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, is considered well-positioned to integrate circular economy principles into the next chapter of its industrial development.
At the forum, jointly organized by the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and the German Business Association (GBA), stakeholders and business leaders agreed that sustainable manufacturing now encompasses a broader spectrum. It goes beyond simple resource efficiency to integrate digitalization, sophisticated data management, and end-to-end supply chain optimization.
GBA Vietnam Chairman Alexander Ziehe highlighted the importance of Vietnam's role in global manufacturing networks, which are increasingly prioritizing efficiency and resilience. To realize this vision, continued investment in innovation, workforce development, and strengthened public-private partnerships is deemed essential. These steps are believed to be the primary catalysts for scaling up circular economy models while reinforcing Vietnam's position as a key player in a greener, more competitive global manufacturing ecosystem. Through these concrete actions, Germany and Vietnam are not only strengthening their bilateral ties but also contributing tangibly to a more resilient and sustainable industrial future.