The city of Leipzig has become the first German locality to open a representative office in Viet Nam. — Photo vietnamplus.vn

The city of Leipzig has become the first German locality to open a representative office in Viet Nam, strengthening the trade and investment partnership between Germany and Viet Nam and connecting businesses of the two nations, according to the German Business Association in Viet Nam.

The office was launched last Thursday at the German Business Incubator Vietnam of the German House in HCM City, with the opening ceremony drawing more than 120 delegates from agencies and enterprises of Viet Nam, Leipzig and other German localities, e-newspaper VietnamPlus reported.

First Mayor of Leipzig Torsten Bonew said the opening of the office is important to foster ties between Viet Nam and Leipzig, especially in trade, investment, the automobile industry, education and training, research and development co-operation.

With a population of more than 500,000, Leipzig is a big city in the German state of Saxony. It is home to a modern infrastructure system and holds strengths in the automobile, logistics, healthcare, technology, organic food technology, energy and environmental sectors.

As much as 47 per cent of all products made in Leipzig are for export, making local enterprises highly competitive.

Viet Nam and Leipzig have shared a sound, long-term partnership, especially in the economy, education and culture.

HCM City and Leipzig signed a strategic co-operation agreement in 2015 to further promote their partnership. The deal aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration in economy, healthcare, education, energy, environment, sustainable development and scientific research. — VNS