With over 85 million inhabitants and an economy that has undergone dynamic growth since the turn of the millennium, Viet Nam has rapidly developed into one of the key political and economic players in South East Asia. Nevertheless, while it continues to grow and liberalise, the country is still struggling with such pressing issues as rising inflation, rural poverty, environmental degradation, health risks and social, economic, and political changes.

Following Germany’s reunification, in 1990 development cooperation between Viet Nam and the Federal Republic of Germany became the logical extension of the close and productive ties that had existed between Viet Nam and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Some cooperation programmes between modern Germany and Viet Nam are a continuation of programmes involving the former GDR, while other new projects were designed to meet the development needs of Viet Nam and the interests of both partner countries.

GTZ is working on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to assist Viet Nam in achieving the goal of becoming a middle-income economy by 2020. The partners are jointly implementing several programmes and projects to boost economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty. Macroeconomic reforms and an improved vocational training system are a priority. In the face of climate change, environmentally sound approaches and solutions are gaining significance in development cooperation. To promote sustainable rural development, environmental protection and effective natural resource management in Viet Nam, GTZ is implementing a number of projects in areas such as forest management, natural park management, environmental planning and natural resource conservation. GTZ is also working closely with its Vietnamese partners to combat the effects of climate change through projects in the field of sustainable forest management, biodiversity preservation and integrated coastal zone management/mangrove protection. Sewage and waste disposal programmes are helping to encourage the sustainable use of an improved, environmentally sound infrastructure.

In the area of public health GTZ is implementing a programme to improve the standard of health care in Viet Nam. The cornerstones of the programme are improved access to health care centres and hospitals, better and more reliable quality in health care in general and in maternal and child health services in particular, and greater efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.

GTZ is also implementing two programmes to support the Government of Viet Nam in effectively managing and implementing its national poverty reduction strategy. GTZ’s contribution is helping to improve living conditions for the rural population, reduce poverty, improve social protection and eliminate regional disparities.