On Wednesday, Da Nang People’s Committee Chairman Huynh Duc Tho played host to Mr Christian Berger, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Viet Nam.

German Ambassador Berger (left) and Chairman Tho

During the reception, Chairman Tho said “Top priority is being given to boosting the development of tourism, hi-tech, information technology and human resources in the city.  However, the bilateral cooperation with Germany in many aspects, especially investment, is lower than expected.”

The city leader said that he would like the German diplomat to appeal for even more businesses from his country to invest in Da Nang’s priority aspects, to provide his city with advanced wastewater treatment equipment, and to enhance bilateral cooperative relations.

In reply, Ambassador Berger said that this was the second time that he had visited Da Nang since 1991, and he was very impressed with the city’s rapid growth over recent years.  He remarked that his visiting group this time included many economic, educational, scientific and technological experts, and they wanted to create a bilateral cooperative network with Da Nang in various aspects.

The German diplomat also asked that the city authorities simplify visa application procedures for German volunteers and experts who would be sent to teach the German language in departments, organisations and universities across the city.

During their 2-day stay in the city, the visiting group will meet with leaders of the municipal Department of Education and Training, and some local universities and junior colleges, to discuss the German language teaching programme which is part of the ‘Friends of the German Language’ programme.

In addition, they are scheduled to visit the city's Branch of the Viet Nam-Germany Friendship Association and the Rieker Shoes Company.