Also attending the meeting were Helga Margarete Barth, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, and leaders of relevant departments and agencies of the city.
Strengthening Viet Nam–Germany Cooperation
On behalf of the city's leadership, Chairman Do Thanh Trung warmly welcomed Mr. Bodo Ramelow, Ambassador Barth, and members of the delegation. He emphasized that cooperation between Viet Nam and Germany continued to develop in a deep, substantive, and comprehensive manner across many sectors. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation remain as one of the most important pillars of the bilateral relationship.
Germany is currently one of Viet Nam's leading economic partners in Europe, with notable strengths in manufacturing, logistics, strategic infrastructure planning, green technology, and digital transformation—areas that Hai Phong has been actively prioritizing and promoting.
Hai Phong's development potential and strategic vision
Introducing the city's advantages and development orientation, Chairman Do Thanh Trung highlighted that in addition to its favorable natural conditions, integrated transportation network, and modern seaport system, Hai Phong has focusing on the development of areas such as two economic zones, forty-six industrial parks and a Free Trade Zone operating under special and preferential mechanisms authorized by National Assembly Resolution No. 226. 
These breakthrough initiatives are creating strong new momentum for the logistics sector, port services, and the attraction of high-quality international investment.
To date, Hai Phong hosted 14 German foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a combined registered capital exceeding USD 273 million. The presence and successful operations of German enterprises have made significant contributions to the city's socio-economic development.
With the strategic goal of becoming an international logistics hub and a modern seaport service center for northern Viet Nam, Hai Phong expressed its desire to deepen cooperation with German partners, agencies, and businesses in transportation infrastructure planning, modern port development, and smart logistics.

German Side Expresses Strong Interest in Cooperation
Expressing appreciation for the warm reception, Vice President Bodo Ramelow stated that he was deeply impressed by Hai Phong's dynamic growth, strategic vision, and especially its plans to establish a Free Trade Zone and modernize its logistics infrastructure.
He reaffirmed that Germany highly valued its strategic partnership with Viet Nam and considered Hai Phong as a promising investment destination and an attractive partner for German businesses in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Ramelow noted that Germany possessed extensive expertise and experience in manufacturing industries, smart port development, infrastructure planning, renewable energy and environmental protection. 
He emphasized that there was substantial potential for cooperation between the two sides in these fields.
Commitment to promote future collaboration
In his capacity as Vice President of the German Bundestag, Mr. Ramelow pledged to serve as a bridge connecting German government agencies, organizations, and business associations with Hai Phong. He committed to encouraging German partners to explore investment opportunities, conduct surveys, and implement specific cooperation projects in the city.
He also expressed support for expanding cooperation in the training of high-quality human resources for modern industries contributing to the sustainable development of both countries and further strengthening the friendship and partnership between Viet Nam and Germany.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts between Chairman Do Thanh Trung, Vice President Bodo Ramelow, and Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth.