Germany seeks stronger economic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific to diversify supply chains, secure critical resources and strengthen competitiveness, while identifying opportunities for cooperation with Vietnam in technology, investment and manufacturing.
Germany is seeking to deepen economic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region to diversify supply chains, secure access to critical resources and strengthen its global competitiveness amid rising geopolitical and trade tensions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlines the priorities during the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2026) in Seoul on October 30.
Addressing political and business leaders, Merz highlights the growing importance of Asia-Pacific economies to Germany and Europe. He notes that German companies have established extensive regional partnerships through investments, production facilities, research centres and technology transfers. These engagements contribute to innovation, employment generation and stronger international supply-chain connections.
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Merz stresses that Germany aims to diversify its economic relationships rather than pursue economic decoupling or protectionism. He identifies geopolitical tensions, the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and disruptions to maritime transport as factors affecting global trade, energy supplies and corporate investment.
He also highlights the importance of maintaining open international shipping routes, particularly through the South China Sea, the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. These routes remain essential to international commerce and the movement of energy and industrial resources.
To strengthen the rules-based trading system, Merz proposes establishing a global political alliance for rules-based trade and calls for closer coordination among like-minded economies. He also supports aligning existing bilateral trade agreements and developing broader interregional trade arrangements, including stronger economic engagement between the European Union and ASEAN.
Vietnam emerges as an important potential partner in Germany’s diversification strategy. Stefan Rouenhoff, State Secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, identifies opportunities for closer cooperation in critical minerals, supply-chain development and investment. He also highlights Vietnam’s economic growth and the potential for German companies to expand their presence in the country.
Technology cooperation forms another priority at the conference. Roland Busch, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business and chief executive of Siemens, identifies industrial artificial intelligence as an important area for collaboration. He says Germany and Asia-Pacific economies can combine technological expertise, manufacturing capabilities and industrial ecosystems to accelerate innovation and economic growth.
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The three-day APK 2026 takes place in Seoul from October 29 to 31, bringing together more than 800 political and business representatives from Germany and across the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference highlights Germany’s efforts to build resilient international partnerships, reduce supply-chain dependencies and expand cooperation in emerging technologies. Stronger engagement with Vietnam and other regional economies is expected to create opportunities in manufacturing, critical resources, investment and technology while supporting long-term economic growth.